Nick Maxwell to help Collingwood develop new leadership edge during Gold Coast camp

COLLINGWOOD will ramp up its new leadership program on a six-day camp on the Gold Coast this week with premiership captain Nick Maxwell set to beef-up the club’s mental training.

Collingwood premiership captain Nick Maxwell. Picture: Mitch Bear

COLLINGWOOD will ramp up its new leadership program on a six-day camp on the Gold Coast this week.

The Magpies flew north on Monday and will train at Southport Football Club before returning on Saturday.

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In addition to skills, weights and beach sessions, the Pies will hold leadership and bonding sessions, led by premiership captain Nick Maxwell.

Maxwell rejoined the Pies late last year as Collingwood’s leadership and culture manager after several seasons at Greater Western Sydney and Melbourne Storm.

Collingwood Premiership captain Nick Maxwell. Picture: Mitch Bear

Collingwood’s current skipper Scott Pendlebury. Picture: Michael Klein

The Pies identified the need to develop their leadership programs as part of a searing review of the football department last year.

It is hoped Maxwell’s counsel will help the Pies spread the leadership load and jump into the finals for the first time in five years this season.

Skipper Scott Pendlebury, 30, is tipped to retain the captaincy for a fifth season.

Former Demon Jeremy Howe was mid-last year added to the league’s smallest leadership group including vice-captains Taylor Adams and best-and-fairest winner Steele Sidebottom.

Collingwood will help kick-off the AFLX tournament on February 15 in Adelaide before JLT pre-season games against GWS in Canberra and Western Bulldogs in Moe.