Collingwood captain Nick Maxwell says the Magpies will adapt if any of their uncontracted players leave the AFL club.

Collingwood’s retention wish list is headed by 2010 premiership star Travis Cloke, whose protracted negotiations were put on hold until the end of the season almost two months ago.

However, Harry O’Brien, Sharrod Wellingham and Tyson Goldsack are also coming off contract and yet to sign a new deal for 2013.

Maxwell, who missed Friday night’s preliminary final loss to Sydney due to suspension, noted Collingwood’s whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

But he sensed the Magpies’ club culture might sway the minds of any players who are genuinely contemplating a shift, such as free agent Cloke.

“I think people have seen in the last two weeks that our guys bleed for each other,” Maxwell said.

“Whenever anyone’s going through a tough time, we stick together and we’ll work through it together.

“Obviously there’s a few boys that have to get signed up … but we’re confident we’ve created the right culture for them.

“If they’re there, move forward. If not, someone else will replace them.”

Cloke was one of the Magpies’ best in their 26-point loss to the Swans, with star on-baller Scott Pendlebury noting “every time he got isolated one-on-one he looked really dangerous”.

Unfortunately for the visitors, the Swans’ pressure meant it was rare they delivered the ball with such precision.

Pendlebury said he thought Cloke’s retention would become the club’s No.1 priority, while Maxwell was full of praise for the 25-year-old key forward whose form has fluctuated this season.

“His work rate has never dropped off, which is evident to the footy club,” Maxwell said of Cloke, who is being pursued by a host of suitors including Carlton and former coach Mick Malthouse.

“Particularly as a forward, sometimes it doesn’t go your way. He consistently fights against two players week-in, week-out – and gives you everything he possibly can.

“We can be better helping him out in the future. But he does a lot of stuff around the club and around the ground that other people probably don’t rate as highly as we do.”