Speaking to NMFC.com.au, the Collingwood captain expressed the importance of Sunday’s clash at Etihad Stadium.
“North Melbourne showed us last year that they’re a real contender,” Maxwell said.
“It’s important that we get our season off to a good start, and I’m sure you guys (North) will be hoping to do the same thing.”
PRESS PLAY above to watch the full interview | YouTube
Maxwell says he rates North’s crop of youngsters highly and admits the depth of talent at Brad Scott’s disposal caught Collingwood off guard when the teams last met.
“All the young players that just keep developing over the last three or four years… they are going to take that next step again.
“The good thing about North Melbourne is they are so even across the board and they don’t rely on one or two players. That’s a dangerous thing, because you can’t just shut one of them down, because someone else bobs up.”
Collingwood could hand debuts to off-season recruits Quinten Lynch and Clinton Young, but will be missing Luke Ball, Alan Didak and Andrew Krakouer through injury. Dale Thomas is also in doubt.
North will be without veteran Brent Harvey and Scott McMahon due to suspension.
“It’s going to be important than we play the way we want to play, otherwise it’s going to be the same result as last time.”
