Nick Maxwell's football career was an incredible journey. From rookie list to premiership captain, the 208-game defender was Collingwood through and through. 

From 2004 onwards, Maxwell found his place in the hearts of the Magpie Army. He began his career as a lanky 20-year-old wearing number 43 and retired in 2014 as one of the great Collingwood leaders. 

From rookie list to life member. Please enjoy this photographic recollection of Nick Maxwell's great career. 

2004



Singing the song after featuring in a thrilling three-point win on debut against Adelaide in round nine, 2004.



Standing his ground in just his eighth senior game against Richmond's Wayne Campbell in round 18, 2004.

2005



Leading the way from the very beginning. Maxwell barks instructions in his 15th game against Fremantle in round seven, 2005.



On the burst out of half back during Collingwood's 112-point loss to the Dockers in round seven, 2005. After missing the first two games of the season, Maxwell was added to the side in round three. He was never omitted again.

2006



Tangling with a young Lance Franklin in round 17, 2006.



Celebrating a rare goal against Carlton in round 21, 2006. It was one of nine goals kicked by the Magpies in a spiteful second quarter.

2007



Maxwell's standards never dropped - even when his team's did. He kicked a career-high four goals in a 93-point loss to Brisbane in round 17, 2007.



Agony at the final bell. Three Cats rejoice while Maxwell falls to his knees as the siren sounds to end the 2007 Preliminary Final. Collingwood was five points short of causing one of the greatest boilovers of all time.

2008



A sign of things to come: With his side ailing in the Elimination Final, Maxwell kicked two vital goals while tagging Adelaide gun Scott Thompson out of the game in the midfield, paving the way for a 31-point win.

2009



Showing the way in his first outing as captain against West Coast in the opening game of the 2009 NAB Cup at Subiaco Oval.



An early goal, a first up loss. Maxwell tried to stem the tide but was unable to prevent a four-point loss to the Crows in his first official game as skipper in round one, 2009.



Overcome with emotion after Jack Anthony kicked the match winning goal against Adelaide in the 2009 Semi-Final. The top-four Magpies were bound for a Preliminary Final in Maxwell's All-Australian season.

2010



Heath Shaw and Maxwell were two of the keys to Collingwood's rock-solid defence during its premiership year of 2010.



The mark that helped define a career and win a premiership. With his side trailing in the dying seconds of the 2010 Grand Final, Maxwell flew over St Kilda's Sam Gilbert to mark and play on up the centre. The chain of possession ended in a Travis Cloke goal.



Jubilation as the siren sounds on the 2010 Grand Final Replay.



Club legend Peter McKenna delivers premiership cup No. 15 into Maxwell's safe hands.

2011



Shaking hands with Essendon counterpart Jobe Watson before breaking through the joint banner on ANZAC Day.



Relief. Shaw, Maxwell, Ball and Lumumba reflect on the great escape against Hawthorn in the 2011 Preliminary Final.



Trouble. Maxwell watches a Jimmy Bartel goal sail through the big sticks as Geelong pulls away from Collingwood late in the 2011 Grand Final.



A stark contrast to the emotions experienced 364 days earlier on the very same patch of grass.

2012



Injuries? Maxwell had his share.



Addressing the group in the aftermath of John McCarthy's passing during the 2012 finals campaign.

2013



Captain courageous.



Challenging times as the Magpies sink to a shock loss to Port Adelaide in the Elimination Final.

2014



One last roll of the dice.



"They said you'd never make it!" But make it Nick Maxwell did. Brent Macaffer and Heritier Lumumba chair the former skipper off ANZ Stadium after his 200th game against Sydney.



Only 11 of the 1115 players to have represented Collingwood have captained a premiership. Nick Maxwell is one of them.