Watch Mick Malthouse's post-match press conferenceCOLLINGWOOD coach Mick Malthouse says last year's top three sides will be the litmus test for the Magpies in 2010.
On Sunday the Pies comfortably beat the Bulldogs, who they face twice this year, along with 2009 grand finalists Geelong and St Kilda. Malthouse said losing all those games would torpedo the side's ambitions.
Watch the the boys sing the team song after the win"The chances of making the eight is tough, the chances of making the four is remote and the chance of being taken seriously is nil," he said as he labeled the Bulldogs a "very, very good opponent".
"It didn't matter who we played [in round one], but because we were pitted against the Bulldogs, it's important that we came away with some confidence.
"You can't go into a year by playing these top sides twice and getting bowled over twice."
Of the other top eight teams from last year, the Magpies play Essendon and Carlton twice in 2010 and Adelaide and Brisbane Lions once.
Watch Heath Shaw's post-match interviewAfter Sunday's win Malthouse sung the praises of versatile big man Leigh Brown, who finished with 13 touches and three scoring assists.
The dual premiership coach said Brown's ability to play down back, up forward and in the ruck makes him an important member of the 22.
"Leigh's history has been a little bit of a dip and a rise," Malthouse said.
"It's so important for him [to play well] because he's keeping Chris Dawes out at the moment. Now, Chris Dawes kicked seven goals last week.
"I find Leigh an exceptional bloke and a great team man, but that doesn't always get you a game.
"What it (his versatility) does is [makes him] indispensible. When you're like that, you automatically grab his name tag and put him on the board."
