> Watch Nick Maxwell discuss the loss in the MCG rooms

Collingwood’s skipper Nick Maxwell believed his teammates were not focused on Saturday’s contest against Hawthorn but on next week’s impending final against the Western Bulldogs.

Speaking to CTV in the MCG rooms after the loss, Maxwell said it was hard for the players to find motivation during the course of play.

“It’s hard to know where the players’ minds were at,” Maxwell said.

“Knowing we play the Bulldogs at the MCG next Saturday night, I assume, it was hard to get the motivation up.”

The Magpies showed patches of dominance, building a 19-point lead early in the fourth term before conceding the final four goals.  The minor premiers dominated in several key statistical categories (inside 50s, centre clearances, hitouts) but were unable to convert the lead into a win.

“I think we did a lot of things really well but there are just a few things we have to tweak before next week.

“Hawthorn had a hell of a lot to play for, because, potentially they got themselves a home final.”

> Watch Mick Matlhouse address the media postmatch

The Collingwood captain was excited about the prospect of playing in the side’s fifth consecutive finals campaign.  A season which saw the club claim its first minor premiership since 1977, Maxwell stated he wants to make the most of the opportunities the club has earned by finishing on top.   

“I am really looking forward to it (playing next week).  We have given ourselves every opportunity to be successful this year and we have an opportunity this week to secure a spot in a preliminary final."