Review Nick Maxwell's Captaincy - A review and discussion.

[Pie eyed]

I've noticed a bit of discussion about Captains on the main board, Melbourne's appointment of Green, whether Reiwoldt is really the right choice for the Saints etc. and it got me remembering the reaction when it was announced not only that Nick Maxwell would be appointed Captain of the most famous club in the land but also wear the famous number 5 of the legendary Nathan Buckley.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but I'll happily admit that I was behind him at the time and had been saying he would one day Captain the Pies since his very early games. (Could be blowing my own trumpet there but ya gotta when you get one right...true?)

So how did you see his original appointment, what were your feelings or fears and how have they changed over time, culminating in what really is the defining success for the Captain of any team?

I've shown my hand and collected handsomely on a bet I made with my father-in-law many moons ago, much to both our pleasures.

 

[Bucks Boy Jett]

Re: Nick Maxwell's Captaincy- A review and discussion.

I will be the first to admit that I thought it was the wrong decision and I couldn't believe how stupid Collingwood were for making it. I have since happily said to people there is a valid reason why they don't let members make the decisions like this and that it should be left to the people with the knowledge required to make an informed decision.

 

[Kirby]

Re: Nick Maxwell's Captaincy- A review and discussion.

I always completely supported the decision too.

He always seemed to have great leadership qualities and I have loved his fearless approach on the ground.

Great appointment and a wonderful premiership captain!

 

[PieNSauce]

Re: Nick Maxwell's Captaincy- A review and discussion.

Funny but I've had this discussion with a lot of supporters from Collingwood and other clubs and it's one that's pretty close to my heart.

I have believed since he was given the job that he is a great choice for captain and even before the premiership I believed (and still do) that he was one of the best captains we've had. What sometimes gets even Collingwood supporters worked up is when I say that if you gave me Bucks and Maxwell to choose from for the captaincy I'd choose Maxwell. That is not to denigrate the great man (Bucks) but purely because of my own footy philosophy. From day one Maxwell was a leader who led by example and gave encouragement to his team mates whereas Bucks early days were spent berating others who failed to live up to his standards. In fairness to Bucks he did finally get it but I would still say that while Bucks clearly has the greater natural talent, nobody that I have seen in recent times has the courage and determination to succeed that I see in Maxwell and I happen to place a very high value on that particular trait.

As far as I'm concerned, Maxwell was an inspired choice for captain and as was said during the season (or was it the gf) by the channel 7 commentators, he has never for one minute let down the number 5 guernsey since they gave it to him.

 

[Heater39]

Re: Nick Maxwell's Captaincy- A review and discussion.

I thought we lacked leadership options so Maxwell was somewhat of a default decision. Now I think he's one of the best captains on the league.

 

[mattys123]

Re: Nick Maxwell's Captaincy- A review and discussion.

I think the 3 defining moments that really showed we made the right choice were in the drawn GF.

Moment one was the amazing smother on the ball just on the line, which basically stopped Skilda in their tracks.

Moment two was the great mark and immediate push forward off half back, when we were trailing late in that game.

Moment three was the contested situation (where he should have been paid a mark) inside Stkilda's offensive 50 with only seconds remaining.

Those 3 moments, plus many others over the last few seasons have truly showed that we made the right choice, to what is now our premiership captain.

Would we have won a flag with a Pendlebury or another choice as captain? Maybe, maybe not, but the facts are that we won a premiership, largely because we had a leader who believed in his team mates ability to perform on the big stage.

The passion the man shows for the club, his team mates and the support staff is why he is now, quite easily the best AFL captain that is currently leading a team.

He has also grown on field, when he took over as captain, there were questions from some whether he would even be in our best 22 in a few years time, yet now he is an All Australian, premiership winning captain, I think that says it all.

He is now an immortal at Collingwood, one of only 4 living premiership captains, and he will forever be part of the "folklore" at our great club.

Credit has to go to Mick Malthouse for making the choice, I'm sure he had help, but in the end, the decision would have been his, and he made a gutsy choice that proved 100% correct.

 

[mdc]

Re: Nick Maxwell's Captaincy- A review and discussion.

At the time, I was adamant that Maxwell and Pendles were the only 2 possibilities, and would have been happy with both.

I was always a believer that Maxy was entrenched in the 22, my only fear was that some more talented players might not respond to him...but the way he's lifted his game in the last 2 years has really put that fear to rest.

Still often underrated as a player, but no longer underrated as a leader.

 

[Pie eyed]

Re: Nick Maxwell's Captaincy- A review and discussion.

Would we have won a flag with a Pendlebury or another choice as captain? Maybe, maybe not,

Maxwell as Captain allows players like Swan, Pendles and ??? whoever just concentrate on their game without any outside pressure. Maxwell has had eyes on the leadership as a personal goal since before he was picked up as a rookie. He's born to it, loves it and for the moment excels at it.

As far as I'm concerned, Maxwell was an inspired choice for captain and as was said during the season (or was it the gf) by the channel 7 commentators, he has never for one minute let down the number 5 guernsey since they gave it to him.

Collingwood v Geelong final.

 

[MarkT2]

Re: Nick Maxwell's Captaincy- A review and discussion.

I thought he was the best captain but not a good enough player so therefore a risk. You don't have to be the best player but you can't be battling for your spot in the starting 18. My concern was that he wasn't the best player in any given position. He is very clearly best 18 now though. His football has continued the improvement from the time he was overlooked in the drafts and rookied by Collingwood.

It was clearly the right choice. Football ability aside the unambiguously stated aim of winning the flag is all I needed to reinforce his leadership and captaincy (not the same thing) credentials.

 

[Old Spice]

Re: Nick Maxwell's Captaincy- A review and discussion.

I was the same as Mark in terms of thinking of Maxwell as being on the fringe of the best 22 back then. Thought it would be a bit of a silly move that would mean he got selected each week, even if someone else was making a better case for selection.

Also thought he couldn't deliver in the phsyical stakes and thought he might get rag-dolled and humiliated.

I think he's made a good fist of it and it improved his game in my view. As others have stated, there was a dearth of players ready to fill the role.

I am wondering though whether Pendles might not take the job in a few years. Might need to be a bit more vocal and encouraging though, so for now it's still Maxwell.

 

[G.O.B]

Re: Nick Maxwell's Captaincy- A review and discussion.

I wasn't a big fan of Maxy prior to him being handed the captaincy.Like many Collingwood supporters I had serious concerns he was going to struggle to maintain his place in the team let alone do a good job as captain.

More than happy to admit that I got this one terribly wrong and would've admitted as such even if we were still waiting for our 15th flag.
Has proven to be an inspired choice and full credit to all those at the club that had a place in him assuming the mantle.

Hell, I remember being pissed of he got the number 5 off Bucks let alone the Captaincy.

 

[HFF]

Re: Nick Maxwell's Captaincy- A review and discussion.

It has been a flawless decision (I, like many was not sold on him at the time, not in regards to best 22 but with his leadership style).

Everything he does with his actions and words screams "FOLLOW ME!"

Any fears about his standing in the clubs best 22 were put to rest with AA honours.

Any fears about his leadership were quickly rid of with his bold actions on and off field i.e. courage and self sacrifice in games and with his statements about wanting a premiership- nothing less- off field.

You've got players who have played under Buckley and Burns and now Maxwell tell Mick that he is the best captain they have played under.

I daresay, he could very easily go on and become one of the greatest captains of all time at our football club. Some more silverware will ensure this.

 

[PieNSauce]

Re: Nick Maxwell's Captaincy- A review and discussion.

Maxwell as Captain allows players like Swan, Pendles and ??? whoever just concentrate on their game without any outside pressure. Maxwell has had eyes on the leadership as a personal goal since before he was picked up as a rookie. He's born to it, loves it and for the moment excels at it.



Collingwood v Geelong final.

Thanks for that. I have most of the season recorded but not home atm so couldn't check.

I know Maxwell wasn't that popular a choice for captain but I always saw it differently. For as long as I can remember him Maxy had courage to burn and in fact I doubt I've ever seen any other player run back into packs as often as he has.

What I saw in him in the time leading up to his appointment was his increased workrate and his willingness to learn. He also was very obviously a devoted team man who took the time to encourage the younger blokes when he could and you never heard stories about bad behaviour in his private life. From my perspective those things describe a great leader and he is definitely that.

 

[hotpies2010]

Re: Nick Maxwell's Captaincy- A review and discussion.

what if fraser got the nod?

 

[Pie eyed]

Re: Nick Maxwell's Captaincy- A review and discussion.

Thanks for that. I have most of the season recorded but not home atm so couldn't check.

I know Maxwell wasn't that popular a choice for captain but I always saw it differently. For as long as I can remember him Maxy had courage to burn and in fact I doubt I've ever seen any other player run back into packs as often as he has.

What I saw in him in the time leading up to his appointment was his increased workrate and his willingness to learn. He also was very obviously a devoted team man who took the time to encourage the younger blokes when he could and you never heard stories about bad behaviour in his private life. From my perspective those things describe a great leader and he is definitely that.

This was what tweaked my interest. Even in his first couple of games he displayed a courage (self preservation wise) and commitment to the ball that spoke volumes for his character. The coming together of he and Jonathon Brown, at a time when Brown was touted as an animal at the contest, where both players had time to have thoughts of physical injury from the full tilt attack on a ball in dispute underlined his desire tonever take a backward step and to prove himself to his coaches and team-mates.
I can't even remember if we won, but Collingwood footy club and Nick Maxwell won no matter the score on that day, especially against a Brisbane which publicly ridiculed Collingwood's courage and commitment.

Huge physical statemnet from a very young man at the time.

 

[Suspense]

Re: Nick Maxwell's Captaincy- A review and discussion.

I think the 3 defining moments that really showed we made the right choice were in the drawn GF.

Moment one was the amazing smother on the ball just on the line, which basically stopped Skilda in their tracks.

[youtube]sCvtCkeXvj4[/youtube]

 

[Ickirus]

Re: Nick Maxwell's Captaincy- A review and discussion.

I was against Maxwell being given the captaincy and am happy he proved me wrong.

At the time though he was very patchy, with some good games, but also some very average performances for stretches of the season, so I can see why a number of supporters were against the decision.

Maxy has well and truly established himself in his position, and he is a great general in defense and as 3rd man up. Really happy with how he has progressed his game and his leadership, and is definitely one of the better on field captains in the AFL.

 

[Ed D]

Re: Nick Maxwell's Captaincy- A review and discussion.

I remember at the time I thought his appointment was a little iffy and he would be a temporary captain until a player like Pendlebury was ready to take over.

It wasn't anything to do with his leading ability, at the time he just didn't seem like he was set in the starting 18. I was a little worried he could turn into a Vandenberg type where he could get dropped from the side for not performing.

Anyway, in that first year as captain he put all those thoughts to rest. He played really well and his leadership was 1st class. He's still not in our top players but he does all the right things on the ground. Spoils, dropping back for marks, smothers and all the one percenters. He really is our version of Tom Harley.

 

[mdc]

Re: Nick Maxwell's Captaincy- A review and discussion.

He's still not in our top players

2nd & 7th in the Copeland suggests he is.

 

[PieNSauce]

Re: Nick Maxwell's Captaincy- A review and discussion.

2nd & 7th in the Copeland suggests he is.

Agree but I think he might have meant for natural talent which most would admit he doesn't have but which he makes up for big time in other ways.

 

[Markfs]

Re: Nick Maxwell's Captaincy- A review and discussion.

Some players dont respond well when they are given the captaincy. Obviously, Nick is the direct opposite. I thought he would continue to be a solid player and low-key hard-working captain... shows ya how wrong you can be. He's now an elite defender and one of the highest profile players in the league. You only had to see him sitting next to Adrian Anderson at the tennis to be convinced of that.

One thing that surprises me about him is ability to enjoy the moment....he can celebrate the good times and isnt as dour as I thought he might be.

I agree that we didnt have many choices back then. It was either Tarks or pick the next generation in Pendles. Leadership has improved across the board...not just Nick.

 

[3066]

Re: Nick Maxwell's Captaincy- A review and discussion.

I was surprised at his appointment. Always thought he was in the best 22 but no one knew of his true leadership qualities unless they were part of the Inner sanctum. I knew he liked to be involved in football, eg with the players association which shows a bit extra but that was about it really. As we all know Captains these days have to be so much more off the field too.

Before his first season as captain I thought about the decision and had faith in the club for without a doubt he had the most important prerequisite quality every Collingwood captain holds. Think about the previous Captains and what was the common element? Burns had it, Bucks had it, Brown had it, Shaw had it ... and every other Captain had it despite having different skillsets or style of play. EACH PLAYER NEVER KNEW HOW TO TAKE A STEP BACKWARDS!!

 

[Ed D]

Re: Nick Maxwell's Captaincy- A review and discussion.

2nd & 7th in the Copeland suggests he is.

Maybe so in a Copeland sense but I don't know how many would rate his playing ability higher than say Jolly (10th), Shaw (11th), Cloke (14th)... you wouldn't say Presti was our 23rd best player last year either even though that's where he came in the Copeland below Jarryd Blair (22nd).

In 2009 Maxwell came 2nd and I don't necessarily think that means he's our 2nd picked player on playing ability above guys like Didak and Pendles etc.

I don't know, I can see the argument for it, personally I don't rate him above those other guys on playing ability.

 

[DIDAIC0S]

Re: Nick Maxwell's Captaincy- A review and discussion.

I was totally against Maxwell getting both Buck's no.5 and the captaincy.
I was really hoping they'd take a punt on Pendlebury or an older player who'd hand it over to him shortly after.

It is hard, possibly impossibly really, to argue with a Priemership, but I still don't think he's the best choice for a long term captain. I do however think that the captaincy put a expectation on his shoulders and he has far exceeded and made him a much better player, highlighted by his great GF2 and brilliant GF1.

I also think it's important that you have a really hard player or a player with a bit of mongrel and voice as captian to fire up the team, just like Maxwell.

If giving the captaincy to someone else would improve them as much as I believe it did to Maxwells game, I vote Cloke for 2012 Pies captain!

However while I wasn't supportative of Nick or thought he deserved it, I think that by going about business as he has since the captaincy he has definetly earnt it!

 

[mdc]

Re: Nick Maxwell's Captaincy- A review and discussion.

Maybe so in a Copeland sense but I don't know how many would rate his playing ability higher than say Jolly (10th), Shaw (11th), Cloke (14th)

He was clearly better than those 2 guys the last 2 years, so yes, I would rate his playing ability higher. Shaw has the talent to overtake him, but has been inconsistent.

As for Jolly, he was abysmal early in the season, which cost him.

... you wouldn't say Presti was our 23rd best player last year either even though that's where he came in the Copeland below Jarryd Blair (22nd).

Simon missed half our games.

In 2009 Maxwell came 2nd and I don't necessarily think that means he's our 2nd picked player on playing ability above guys like Didak and Pendles etc.

It's not about who's picked first or second, this isn't the schoolyard. In 2009, Maxwell was the second-best performed player on the team...maybe 3rd if you account for the games Pendles missed. And he rightly made AA.