> Nick Maxwell speaks to CTV in the rooms after the Round 22 matchDespite losing its final match of the home-and-away season against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday night, Collingwood skipper Nick Maxwell believes his side can match any team it faces in the 2009 finals series.
The 24-point margin drops the Magpies to fourth spot and results in a Qualifying Final against St Kilda on Sunday afternoon at the MCG.
Maxwell conceded that the boys were ‘a bit flat’ during the match but believes the playing group will respond for next week’s encounter.
“Obviously a bit of a flat one tonight. But if you had of said at the start of the year that you would finish top four, well we would take it,” Maxwell told CTV in the rooms after the match.
“You have got to beat the best teams and we think we can match worth anyone.
“While it was disappointing, I would rather the boys have a flat one tonight rather than next week.
“We will be looking forward to taking on the Saints on Sunday.”
> Mick Malthouse fronts the media after the lossSt Kilda’s recent form has been less than desirable, dropping two consecutive matches (Essendon and North Melbourne) before managing to get over Melbourne in Round 22.
“They (St Kilda) are in a pretty similar position to what we were in. They knew they were going to finish on top of the ladder so it’s hard to keep motivated. They have been looking forward to next week now so it’s going to be a great game.
“We have shown some strong form winning 12 of the past 13 matches before this one which will give us a good platform to jump from heading into finals.”
The Magpie skipper is confident that midfielder Scott Pendlebury, who was a late omission from Sunday’s game with back spasms, will be available for week one of the finals.
“There is no one who is injured and we will get Pendles back next week so it will be good.
“We are feeling very positive heading into next week.”
