Watch Nathan Brown speak to CTV in the rooms after the lossWatch Mick Malthouse speak to the media after the matchIn one of the most memorable games in ANZAC Day history, Collingwood lost to Essendon by five points in front of 84,829 at the MCG.
The Magpies headed into the final term nine points down and fought back valiantly to eventually lose 13.15 (93) to 12.16 (88).
“We really get ourselves up for this game, especially Mick (Malthouse), so to come away with a loss we probably should have won is very disheartening,” defender Nathan Brown told CTV in the rooms after the match.
“In footy there is always next week and that’s what we are already thinking about.”
The Magpies led by 14-points at the 25-minute mark but were unable to hold on to the lead. Brown was adamant his teammates were not complacent in the final minutes and attributed the loss to an inability to cover the opposition.
“I think with tight losses there are a few little things you can go back over the tape and say ‘this player didn’t tackle, this player didn’t man up’. We were not complacent we just have to fix up these little things.”
The 20-year-old was a standout in the Magpies defense holding Essendon forward Scott Lucas goalless.
“I probably started off a bit slower this year and its good to get a good game under my belt especially against such a great player.”
After playing up forward in several stages against Melbourne in round two, Brown believes he will maintain his role down back for the rest of the year.
“I will definitely stay as a key defender and really have a bond with Simon Prestigiacomo. But I will do a job up there if Mick asks me to…I don’t mind kicking a few goals in front of the crowd.”
Collingwood will look to rebound from its loss next Friday night against North Melbourne, a side sitting in a similar position.
“It’s at that stage of the year when its make or break we definitely need to get it back to three and three.”
