CTV > Nick Maxwell post-match interview
CTV > Mick Malthouse's post-match press conference

Nick Maxwell says the side’s focus will turn quickly to the Bulldogs after the 30-point loss to Carlton on Sunday at the MCG.

Speaking to CTV after the game, Maxwell admitted the Magpies let themselves down after opening up a four-goal lead against the Blues, but now must look to rebounding next Sunday afternoon at the Telstra Dome.

“Unfortunately we let ourselves down, we had a great opportunity to day to cement our spot in the eight and hold onto that top four and really push for that,” Maxwell said.

“We got to 25 points up and lost by five goals, so we’re bitterly disappointed, not much more can be said.”

“We’ve got to look forward to next week pretty quickly now, we’ll have a look at what went wrong, have our match review tomorrow, and from there we’ll have a look at the Doggies.

“They had a really good win and they’re in great form, along with Geelong and Hawthorn the one to beat, it’s going to be a big game and we really need a win now.”

After playing some solid football to get on top of the Blues, Maxwell identified a momentum shift towards the end of the third quarter as a crucial period in the game.

“Unfortunately the last ten minutes of the third quarter we really let them get back in it and they kicked about four goals, and went in level.

“I suppose momentum’s a strange thing, they kept going and we couldn’t stop them.”

Then, in a forgettable final quarter, there simply wasn’t enough pressure.

“I think they kicked about eight goals in that last quarter.

“We didn’t put enough pressure on through the midfield and the forward line, but having said that we (the backline) still didn’t stop them.”

Collingwood, sixth on the ladder with seven wins and five losses, now faces an in-form Bulldogs line-up at the Telstra Dome next Sunday in a twilight fixture. The game is a Collingwood home game.