Simon Prestigiacomo Biography

Collingwood defender Simon Prestigiacomo calls an end to his career after missing out on a taking his place with the Magpies in their premiership win over the Saints due to a sore groin.

"There was really no way I was going to keep up with (Nick) Riewoldt or anyone like that," he said.

"I was pretty happy in a way that I was sore the next day, so that I didn't sit there and think for the rest of my life that maybe I could have played."

Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse paid tribute to the loyal Magpie who put the team above his personal goals.

"He had played all his life for that moment and to be able to come to us and say, 'I'll let my teammates down if I play', says something more about the person than anything," Malthouse said.

Collingwood defender Simon Prestigiacomo is no guarantee to return in round three as he works to recover from a quad injury sustained in round 1.

Four wins on the trot have Collingwood nearing the consistency that is required for a top-four finish after a slow start to 2009 says Simon Prestigiacomo.

"That was something we struggled with at the start of the year with consistency, we were kind of win-loss-win-loss," he said after Collingwood's win over Sydney.

"It's good to get a run on and hopefully we can continue playing the sort of footy we played tonight for the rest of the year," Prestigiacomo said.

"It was probably one of our downfalls at the start of the year, but [it's been pleasing] to get a few wins on the trot and a bit of consistency and get everyone regularly playing and gelling well together".

Nathan Brown has sung the praises of teammate Simon Prestigiacomo, saying the Magpies defence is reinvigorated by his form.

"I'm really happy to be playing with Simon," he said.

"He's such a great player and person to be around, especially for myself personally and the team and the backline.

"He's got so much experience, and it comes across he's a really quiet bloke but he's just got so much wisdom to give to the team, especially to me."

On the eve of Magpie full back Simon Prestigiacomo's 200th game, Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse admits he initially doubted Prestigiacomo's abilities at first.

"I thought when I first arrived here that we seriously needed to consider another full-back," Malthouse said.

"I just think it's testament to his durability, loyalty to his football club, he's not one ounce of a problem in that you set him a task and he does it.

"I just feel so privileged to be part of his big day and it just happens to be a massive day for the football club and it's a credit to him."

Collingwood defender Simon Prestigiacomo says he won't be thrown by Adelaide's low-profile attack.