20/05/2008 3:36:36 PM
Collingwood's unofficial backline captain Nick Maxwell believes the Pies' young but improving back six is ready to confront its greatest challenge this week - taking on all-conquering reigning premier Geelong in a Friday night blockbuster at the MCG.
The match is the first meeting between the two Victorian heavyweights since last year's memorable preliminary final when the highly favoured Cats outlasted the Magpies by just five points on their way to their first premiership in 44 years.
The Cats have won 27 of their past 28 matches and the only other side - besides Collingwood in last year's preliminary final - to get within a kick of beating Mark Thompson's team during that time was Fremantle earlier this season.
But much has changed since last year's preliminary final with the Magpies' defence in particular having a different look about it given the Pies' best defender of recent years in James Clement retired after that match with impressive first year full-back Nathan Brown in his place this season.
Despite such an inexperienced back six this season - Maxwell with just 79 games to his name its second most experienced member behind veteran Shane Wakelin - the Pies have conceded on average just 11 points more this season than last season.
But Maxwell admits the Pies' back six - which also includes Harry O'Brien, Heath Shaw, and Irishman Marty Clarke - face their toughest challenge this week against the league's best team.
The Cats were the league's highest scoring team last year - averaging 115 point per game during the home and away season - and are the third heaviest scorers so far this season in averaging just under 114 points per game.
"Obviously over the past 18 months, they (Geelong) have been the benchmark so it's going to be a tough one for us," Maxwell said of the Pies' defence on Tuesday.
"But as a back six we are starting to work well together and the young guys are stepping up."
"Marty Clarke is back in some good form and Nathan Brown has taken on the roles we have given him really well."
Maxwell said he never expected the Pies to be without both the retired Clement and the equally experienced Simon Prestigiacomo in defence this season.
"It has been a transition period, we never expected to lose him (Clement) and we expected Simon Prestigiacomo (who has been out all season with a foot injury) to be playing by this stage."
"So we have lost two key defenders who have both been such good players but hopefully 'Presti' is back in the next few weeks."
"But Browny has stepped up really well and we are impressed with the way he has gone about it and hopefully he can continue to improve."
"So as a defensive unit we are starting to get to where we need to be, which is good."