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Future bright for Magpies: Malthouse

1st October, 2011
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Mick Malthouse has said an emotional public goodbye to his players and expressed confidence that Collingwood are in the process of creating an AFL dynasty.

Speaking at the Magpies’ post-grand final dinner, Malthouse said no-one in the club was irreplaceable and the club had come a long way since he started as coach 12 years ago.

Saturday’s 38-point loss to Geelong marked the end of Malthouse’s reign as he hands over to assistant Nathan Buckley under the succession plan negotiated in 2009.

Malthouse, who coached the Magpies to last year’s premiership, also said post-match he would leave the club immediately and not take the director of coaching job that was another feature of the succession arrangement.

The mood at Collingwood’s grand final dinner was emotional and upbeat, with Malthouse given a standing ovation as he walked to the stage.

“It is a wonderfully young, vibrant side – look at the kids who didn’t play today,” Malthouse said.

“We’ve set in motion an opportunity for a dynasty.

“That playing group has no need whatsoever to be embarrassed about their performances this year.

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“We have a group that will go forward.

“Nanette (his wife) said to me ‘don’t be embarrassed about telling them you love them’ – and I won’t say that.

“I will say this – I respect them greatly, I respect the way they go about it, I respect their camaraderie, I respect their friendship, I respect their love of our football club.

“I respect their work ethic, their devotion to want to win, their devotion to their supporters.”

Club president Eddie McGuire, who brokered the succession plan, was also emotional as he heaped praise on Malthouse.

“We failed by 30 minutes today against a great club but Mick you have nothing to apologise for,” McGuire said.

“Your shadow has been cast, and your image and indelible mark has been left on this football club.

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“Your name will be revered forever in Collingwood history alongside the greats of (Jock) McHale and Phonse Kyne and Leigh Matthews; the people who lived and breathed and delivered for our football club.

“I say without reservation Michael Malthouse is one of the greatest men that I’ve had the pleasure to have ever met, and Nanette has been fantastic.

“We wish you the best of luck in the life ahead.”

McGuire also revealed that captain Nick Maxwell, who suffered a broken thumb a few weeks ago, also broke a knuckle early in the grand final.

Maxwell thanked Malthouse and promised Collingwood would rebound from the grand final loss.

“To Mick, Nanette and (their) family – I’m sorry we let you down today mate, but you’ve been unbelievable to all of us, we can’t thank you enough for the contribution you’ve made to our careers,” Maxwell said.

“We weren’t good enough today, but we were beaten, not broken.

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“I know these guys, I know we will be back better than ever next year … we will make amends.”

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