Even an AFL coach as experienced and meticulous as Mick Malthouse goes into the start of the season without knowing what will unfold.

"Round one is notorious for the unknown," he says.

Malthouse's Collingwood knew Adelaide would be disciplined and hard-working, as always, on Saturday at the MCG.

But there were too many inconsistencies with his own team as they eventually lost to Adelaide by four points.

They let Adelaide take a 28-point lead in the first term and then let their advantage slip in the third quarter when they had the game by the throat.

Late in the last term, they made too many mistakes and missed crucial shots on goal.

"You don't know how sides are travelling, you don't know how fit they are - we couldn't have watched Adelaide any more," Malthouse said.

"There was nothing mysterious about the way Adelaide played, because we know they're well-disciplined side.

"But players that we expected to do better against them, didn't."

Adelaide coach Neil Craig said the third term was decisive and Malthouse was not disagreeing.

He lamented Collingwood's inability to kill off Adelaide after they had kicked six-straight goals for an 18-point lead.

The Crows suddenly rebounded, kicking three goals to tie the scores at three-quarter time.

"I don't know whether we sat back on easy street or tiredness took over or the heat or whatever the case, but the last three goals killed us," he said.

"The last three goals allowed them to set up the last quarter.

"All our mistakes and deficiencies will be magnified because we lost by four points."

Collingwood captain Nick Maxwell played through the midfield and up forward, kicking two goals, rather than his usual role in defence.

Malthouse praised Maxwell for his defensive pressure, noting he had eight tackles.

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