2009 season
It was an extremely impressive season for Nick Maxwell, who took the reins from Scott Burns as the Collingwood skipper.  After a shaky start to the season which saw Maxwell miss rounds four and five through suspension (rough conduct), the 26-year-old played in the final 20 matches of the year and was a standout in September.  He relished his new role down back, playing as a loose man in defence, which led to an average of four more possessions a game than in 2008 (13.4 in 2008 and 17.9 in 2009).

He was awarded for his efforts with several prestigious accolades during the Copeland Trophy night including the RT Rush Trophy (runner-up in the best and fairest), the Gavin Brown award (leading desire indicators) for the third straight year, and the Bob Rose Trophy (best player in finals - tied with Heath Shaw).

Career
Maxwell has proved one of the success stories of the rookie system, having been elevated to the senior list in 2004 and having now notched 118 matches in six seasons, in which time he has established himself as one of the Collingwood’s toughest and most dependable defenders. Often gives away height and size to opponents, but his unwavering commitment always keeps him in the contest. Enjoyed a strong 2005 season after 10 games in his debut year of 2004, before a broken leg in the middle of 2006 derailed his campaign, but bounced back superbly in 2007 to register career-high numbers in just about every statistical category and confirm his position as an important and respected leader of the club. Was the recipient of both the Darren Millane memorial award and also the Gavin Brown award (leading desire indicators) at the 2007 Copeland Trophy presentation.  In 2008 he was a main stayer in defence playing 23 games and winning his second straight Gavin Brown award.  In his first year as skipper (2009), Maxwell developed his game to incorporate playing as a loose man down back.  It was deemed as a success finishing runner-up in the best and fairest (his highest finish), winning his third consecutive Gavin Brown award and taking out the Bob Rose Trophy (best player in finals - tied with Heath Shaw).

Draft history:
2002 AFL Rookie Draft 1st round selection (Collingwood) No. 15 overall; 2004 rookie elevation (Collingwood)