Nick Maxwell

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**Nick Maxwell**
Personal information

Birth	June 3, 1983 (1983-06-03) (age 25), Victoria
Recruited from	Geelong U18/North Ballarat
Playing career¹
Debut	Round 9, May 21, 2004, Collingwood vs. Adelaide, at Telstra Dome
Team(s)	Collingwood (2004-) 72 Games, 16 Goals
¹ Statistics to end of 2007 season
Career highlights

Nick Maxwell (born June 3, 1983) is an Australian rules footballer in the Australian Football League

A former Geelong U18 player in 2001, Maxwell then played for North Ballarat in the VFL once he moved on from junior age. Was rookie drafted in 2002, but didn't get promoted in his first year at the club in 2003. He however proved himself late in the season, playing in London against Fremantle in an Exhibition match. He was retained on the rookie list, and in 2004 he got promoted for Tom Davidson, who had been replaced on the injury list. He made his debut soon after in Round 9 against Adelaide and proved enough, playing 10 games in his first season as a hard-running defender. His size however was still tall but not big enough in a physical aspect. His promotion was then lifted as he was elevated onto the senior list for the next season.

In 2005, Nick had a breakthrough once again. His presence was more physical and he showed he could be a top class defender and his skills were improving. After spending two weeks in the grandstands he received the call up to replace the out of form Ryan Lonie in round three, and did not miss another match. Arguably his best matches were against Sydney at Telstra Stadium, and at the Gabba against the Brisbane Lions. He booted six goals for the season, at times when were needed late in a quarter to help momentum. At 22 he was a mature and experienced footballer, who played like a man on a mission.

Nick would have a solid start to the season in 2006, putting his small frame into every contest, and play his intimidating style of football. In Round 10 he would put his body on the line in a contest where he dived in to receive a hard ball get, getting crunched by Jonathan Brown of the Brisbane Lions, and would break his leg. He would miss the next 6 weeks with the broken leg, but would come back to the side and play every game for the rest of the year, showing his reasons of cementing a spot in the soon to be successful side.

Maxwell took another step in season 2007, turning into one of the most courageous footballers going around, recognised by his peers. Nick had a great season overall, playing all 25 games, including three finals. He was a regular contributor when needed by coach Mick Malthouse, proving vital as a utility, playing both ends of the ground, kicking eight goals. He would lay 98 tackles, third at the club, including bone crunching team lifting efforts, shown in the Preliminary Final against Geelong's Max Rooke. His leadership was a terrific attribute shown throughout the season, earning his stripes, he captained the club in Round 16 against Essendon in a 29 point win.

In the 2008 pre-season, Maxwell would be handed the famous number five guernsey, worn by retired champion Nathan Buckley. Maxwell would also be an official vice-captain of the side, despite one of the favourites to beat Scott Burns for the skipper vacancy. He will also continue his community presence and sportsmanship attitude, retained as an AFLPA representative after being elevated in 2007, after being the Collingwood delegate in 2006.