Collingwood captain Nick Maxwell has strongly defended teammate Josh Fraser against criticism from former St Kilda coach Grant Thomas.

Speaking on Radio SEN, Thomas was scathing about an incident early in the Anzac Day clash with Essendon, saying that Fraser had "dogged" a contest.

Thomas' criticism has received wide media coverage, but Maxwell was equally adamant in his defence of Fraser.

"It's one person, because one person says it doesn't mean it's true," Maxwell said.

"Josh hasn't worried about it at all ... it's irrelevant, nothing to do with us."

Maxwell acknowledged that Fraser was not at his best in the five-point loss to the Bombers, but added the ruckman had previously enjoyed a great start to the season and had been in All-Australian form.

Maxwell will return from suspension for Friday night's match against North Melbourne in a must-win match for the Magpies who have lost three of their first five games.

Maxwell has signed a two-year contract extension, taking him through to the end of the 2011 season.

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