Malthouse wasn’t surprised by his team's 12th interstate win from its past 14 attempts and he was heartened by his players' ability to withstand several challenges from the home team.
"We've been challenged a few times this year and have been able to respond, which has been quite good. The boys have stuck to the task. Winning is what you come to do and we won the game," Malthouse said.
"We travel well, it's not new to us so it doesn’t mean any more or less than any other game. I'm not surprised we handled it well because we have handled it well in the past.
"The art of travelling no longer has the fear of being a three or four-goal disadvantage because it's just not the case."
Cameron Wood maintained his spot as the back-up ruckman to Darren Jolly at the expense of Josh Fraser, and did some good things with his eight possessions, 11 hit outs and two goals.
Fraser remains in the VFL along with experienced heads Simon Prestigiacomo and Tarkyn Lockyer, but Malthouse said he would call on them all at some point.
"It was only a flip of the coin really if Josh or Cameron played, but possession is nine-tenths of the law," he said.
"Cameron played pretty well. Josh will play tomorrow as will Simon Prestigiacomo and Tarkyn Lockyer, and they will all have their moment come up like Shane O'Bree did.
"We can't get through on 22 players and have no intention of doing so."
Collingwood now sits pretty atop the AFL ladder with key forward Travis Cloke in outstanding form, Alan Didak in good touch and a midfield that includes Luke Ball, Scott Pendlebury, Dane Swan and Dale Thomas playing tremendously.
Malthouse said the Magpies' round nine clash against reigning premier Geelong was no more important than any other game and he would continue to seek improvement from his side.
"We've done the early yards now to put ourselves in a good position to finish inside the eight, there's still four or five games technically to get there but we're on the right path," Malthouse said.
"We are better placed [than previous years] because we are a better side.
"The win-loss ratio is good, but it's not significant when you are trying to get as many good players playing on a week-to-week basis and then half a dozen or more playing in the VFL. A win's a win and is terrific, but we have to keep moving forward."
