Nick Maxwell has spoken of his disappointment at being suspended for four weeks by the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night, but the Collingwood captain is now focusing on getting back out onto the field to lead his team.
The 25-year-old, who unsuccessfully challenged the Match Review Panel’s level three rough conduct charge against West Coast’s Patrick McGinnity, now has to sit back and watch his teammates try and advance as far as possible in the NAB Cup to ensure he misses no more than one home-and-away match.
Every NAB Cup match the Magpies contest shaves one game off Maxwell’s suspension.
“I’m bitterly disappointed to have been suspended, however now I must focus on ensuring I’m 100 per cent ready to play when I’m available,” Maxwell told collingwoodfc.com.au.
“The club has had a fantastic preseason and while I’d love to be out there with the boys during the NAB Cup and the start of the home-and-away season, I must do everything I can to help the team prepare.
“We have a very strong, even spread of leaders, with any member of our leadership group capable of being captain, and Josh Fraser, Scott Pendlebury, Dane Swan, Shane O’Bree and Tarkyn Lockyer will set a great on-field example.”
2009 is Maxwell’s first as club captain, after he replaced the retired Scott Burns at the end of last year.
Collingwood’s round two NAB Cup clash with Richmond has been set down for Thursday 26 February at Telstra Dome at 7:10pm, with the winner to advance to a semi final against either Essendon or the Brisbane Lions on Friday 6 March.
The Magpies host the Adelaide Crows at the MCG on Saturday 28 March in round one of the home-and-away season.
Maxwell focuses on return
Collingwood skipper Nick Maxwell is looking forward to his return after being suspended by the AFL Tribunal for four matches
