Speaking only a few hours after coach Nathan Buckley confirmed Swan was enjoying a strong pre-season, Maxwell said the four-time All-Australian's output has been higher than at any time in his career to date.
"In terms of his performance over the last four months, I've never seen him so engaged and I came to the club only a year after he did," Maxwell said.
"I haven't seen him perform to the standards he has this pre-season so I couldn’t be happier."
With Swan subjected to intense scrutiny in recent times, Maxwell attributed the amplified attention to his status as one of the AFL's elite performers, saying his prominence within the game ensures he will remain a subject of keen media interest.
"I just think its the reality of high-profile players, whether it be 'Swanny' or 'Buddy' or Gary Ablett.
"Things get blown out of proportion because he's Dane Swan. I'm very comfortable where he's at as a player and I'm very confident he will have a good season for us," the Magpies' skipper said.
Maxwell added that there was little to be read into Dale Thomas' decision to delay contract talks until later in the season, a situation that mirrors that of Travis Cloke this time last year.
"It's the industry we're in now. We wanted free agency and this is part of it," he said.
"Internally, clubs are used to it and are getting their head around it, but externally people are going to have to accept that this will happen with contracts. Some players will leave (while) others won't."
"It's the industry now and Daisy has every right to do that."
As for the lofty expectations surrounding the Magpies this year, Maxwell said he thinks the club will take an improved list into the season.
"We just have to make sure we put it together on the park. You can look good on paper but once you're out there on the ground its irrelevant."
