Selected with the 15th pick of the 2003 Rookie Draft, Maxwell’s tenacity and intense drive stood him apart early as he forced his way onto the club’s senior list, making his AFL debut against Adelaide in 2004.
Fast establishing his place within Collingwood’s best 22, Maxwell would become an ever-present member of a fledgling Magpie outfit, with his leadership qualities in defence seeing him earmarked as a future captain, a prophecy he would ultimately fulfil when he assumed the role following Scott Burns’ retirement in 2009.
Far from being overwhelmed by the burden of leading Australia’s most storied sporting institution, Maxwell revelled in the newfound responsibility, his ascendency to the captaincy spurring him to career best form, resulting in All-Australian selection and a runner-up finish in the Copeland Trophy in 2009.
Maxwell however would enjoy his finest hour 12 months later, when in perhaps the defining performance of his career, a defiant and desperate final quarter stand in the 2010 Grand Final draw ensured the Magpies would live another day.
A week later, Maxwell would climb the podium at the MCG as a Collingwood immortal, hoisting aloft football’s Holy Grail as the 11th Premiership captain in the club’s VFA, VFL and AFL history.
Following five seasons and 104 games as Collingwood’s on-field general, Maxwell stepped aside as captain at the start of the 2014 season, but such is the esteem with which he is held, the 30-year old remains a pivotal member of the club’s leadership group.
Nick Maxwell - Fast Facts
Height: 193cm
Weight: 92kg
Date of Birth: 3 June 1983
Recruited From: St Josephs (VCFL)/Geelong U18/North Ballarat
Debut: Collingwood v Adelaide, Round 9 2004 at Telstra Dome
Games: 199
Goals: 29
Honours: Collingwood Premiership Side 2010; Collingwood captain 2009-2013; R.T. Rush Trophy (2nd best-and-fairest) 2009; Jack Regan Trophy (5th best-and-fairest) 2012; Darren Millane Memorial Trophy (Best Clubman) 2007, 2009, 2011; Gavin Brown Award (Leading Desire Indicators) 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012; Bob Rose Award (Best Player in Finals) 2009, 2010 (equal); All-Australian 2009
Draft History: Selected at No. 15 in the 2003 Rookie Draft; elevated onto the senior list during the 2004 season
