Speaking after Magpies president Eddie McGuire said the AFL's 18th team might target the premiership trio, Maxwell said he believed the club would be able to retain its stars.
"I think there's no doubt they (GWS) will be having a go. Gold Coast did as well, we expect that," Maxwell said on Wednesday afternoon.
"It's a challenge for us this year, but we're in a situation where we're very confident we will be able to hold on to them and keep them for a long time."
McGuire made his comments on Triple M radio on Wednesday morning, as well as suggesting that Melbourne youngster Tom Scully may have already signed with the Giants.
Melbourne coach Dean Bailey dismissed McGuire's comments as speculation.
GWS can sign up to 16 uncontracted players across the next two years, but can only take a maximum of one per club.
Swan, Thomas, Pendlebury and Scully all come out of contract at the end of 2011.
