> Shane O'Bree speaks to CTV in the rooms at the MCG after his side's four-point loss to Adelaide> Watch Michael Malthouse's press conference after the matchCOLLINGWOOD captain Nick Maxwell said the Magpies' post-match meeting on Saturday was solemn but with a clear message - one opportunity wasted is too many.
Maxwell, 25, said the Pies were very disappointed with their four-point loss to Adelaide, which came after they led by 18 points in the third term.
However, he said the coaches and players were diplomatic when discussing what the result meant for the side this season.
"Now we've got to win 21 games from 21, basically," he told afl.com.au after the match.
"We've lost a game, lost an opportunity and we're in the bottom half of the ladder.
"We're disappointed because we had an opportunity, and once we hit the front, you expect to win from there.
"People don't give Adelaide as much credit as they deserve. They're a very good side and very well coached and are always pretty fit and up and going at this time of year."
Maxwell said the players would take a few weeks to get used to the physical standard required to run out games strongly, which was reflected in the number of Magpies and Crows that cramped as the match wound up.
"In the first few rounds, everyone is finding their feet and getting their fitness right," he said.
"You can train as hard as you want but football fitness is different to every other type of fitness.
"Although we've played a few games, we've gone from 26 to 22 on the ground and there's a lot less rotations. It's a different game."
Maxwell played in a variety of roles on Saturday, starting in the midfield opposite Bernie Vince, shifting in defence for part of the game and moving up forward for a two-goal cameo.
"There will always be different roles come up across the ground and I'm happy to play wherever is best for the team," he said, of his changing responsibilities.
"I don't have a preference. I like the midfield because I like the bodies clashing and the physicality of it all, but I'm happy to play wherever I'm needed."
Coach Mick Malthouse said Maxwell will be used wherever pressure is required this season, owing to his natural desire to win.
"Nick is such a fierce competitor. You put him in positions where he's going to be best to put that pressure on," he said.
"I thought under circumstances [on Saturday], he was terrific in creating opportunity for us up forward."
Maxwell said the Magpies won't underestimate Melbourne next weekend, despite the Demons' disappointing 2008 season.
"They're going to be desperate. They've been criticised for last year and we won't be taking a backwards step," he said.
"We know how good their players are and although they've got a lot of young guys, they've got a good team.
"We'll be trying to make amends for this week."
