> Watch Nathan Brown speak to CTV in the rooms after the win

Collingwood’s Nathan Brown admitted he was surprised the Western Bulldogs allowed skipper Nick Maxwell to roam free in defence for the entire night.??

Speaking to CTV in the rooms after the 62-point win, Brown said Maxwell’s role down back was a key to the Magpies knocking off their first Victorian side in the finals since 1990.??

“Barry Hall did try to push up on him (Nick Maxwell)”, Brown said.

“I was pretty surprised.  The last couple of games against Adelaide and Hawthorn they manned him up straight away and have taken him out of the game. ??

“That was a plan and it’s worked well in the past.  It’s always comforting to know that there is someone there to help you.”

> Watch the team sing the song after the win

The 21-year-old was lined up against full forward Barry Hall for most of the night and limited the goal kicker to just two majors on the night.  With Simon Prestigiacomo sidelined with injury, Brown filled the veteran’s shoes and proved he was capable of taking over the mantle as the main man down back.

“Names don’t mean anything to me.  He is just a player.  I just worry about how I play on him.  You can only focus on what you can do.”??

Brown believed his side was in control for the entire match as was evident from his teammate’s extending the lead at every break.?

“As a full back you get a good gauge of the game and how you are going.  I gauge that by how easy it was for them rack up inside 50s.??

“The inside 50s that they were getting were high balls.  As a defender, that’s all I can ask for.”??

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In his 47th game in black and white stripes, Brown stated he is still learning the art of play as a key backman. ??

“I am still young and still learning.  Each finals, as they say, equals two games worth of experience.  That’s great for me.

“I have to play my role in the team and whatever happens, happens.”