Collingwood champion Nick Maxwell spoke to the media at the Westpac Centre on Thursday morning ahead of his 200th game.

Collingwoodfc.com.au has published a summation of the key points of interest to arise from the press conference.

Does Maxwell often reflect on his struggle to reach a place in an AFL side?
“Every time you get chance to run out for this club you think about it,” the former captain said. “It comes back to the controllables,” he continued, citing preparation and his efforts as a teammate as ways to ensure he is performing at his best each week.

What was his take on the response to Collingwood’s 70-point loss to Fremantle?
“Round one was crazy. Some of it (the commentary) was way over the top...people need to take a breath,” said Maxwell. He acknowledged the airtime football demands in 2014 and the fact that expectations on performance are so high. “Everything said is taken as gospel straight away. People don't know externally what's going on. (We) say to the young guys it comes back to what you can control.”

In light of the loss, how is the team preparing for Sydney?
“It feels like a lifetime since the Fremantle game,” said Maxwell, who noted Sydney will also be stung in the wake of its loss to Greater Western Sydney and, as all players are want to do, praised the Swans ability to win the contested footy.

“We’re under no illusions; it will be a tough game."

Who takes on Lance Franklin?
“(Collingwood’s preparation towards Franklin) hasn't been any different to any other player,” Maxwell admitted. “He doesn't need a lot of possessions to tear it apart. He has a good record but we are only one game away from turning it around.”

Maxwell tipped either Nathan Brown or Jack Frost to get the job on the ex-Hawk.

What’s Maxwell’s overriding emotion ahead of his 200th game?
“There’s no overriding emotion,” he said. “I’m proud to have played my role for the club for a long period of time. It shows I have been a good clubman and played the role I’ve been asked to play for a long period of time.”

Was there a moment that allowed Maxwell to feel as if he had ‘made it’ as an AFL player?
“You don't you ever have a moment where you feel really comfortable,” Maxwell admitted, though he pointed to a moment when he ran back with the flight and was cleaned up by Brisbane’s Alistair Lynch in round 16, 2004, that resonated with him.

“I ran back with the flight and got cleaned up by Lynch. I thought at the time I was dead.

“To have James Clement, Shane Wakelin and Simon Prestigiacomo come to me made me want to do it more and put my body on the line for my teammates. It was a turning point for me.”

What will it mean to have his family alongside him when he runs through the banner?
While admitting it would have been nice to play his 200th game at the MCG, Maxwell's close family and friends will be in attendance.

He says it will probably be the last milestone of his career, though don't think he'll be celebrating before the four points are secured.

“It won't be much of a milestone if we don't win the game.”