The Dons kicked three goals with fewer than five minutes remaining to pinch a five-point victory at the MCG on Saturday. Although Prestigiacomo humbly said the occasion – not his personal milestone – was what the day was all about, he said the defeat left a bitter taste in his mouth.
"Any loss is tough to take, but it's a big day on Anzac Day and to lose in the manner we did is disappointing," he told collingwoodfc.com.au, adding that it was "right up there" as one of the toughest Anzac Day matches he's played in.
"We could probably look back at lots of different things that we could've rectified, but we just need to try and get over it and look at Friday [against North Melbourne at Docklands], which is a massive game in the context of the season."
"It was a tough game all day … it was disappointing for them to kick three goals in the last four minutes."
Still, Prestigiacomo celebrated his 200th match with a fine individual performance, restricting Essendon skipper Matthew Lloyd to just seven touches and no goals.
"It wasn't too bad, in terms of 'Lloydy' not having too much of an impact. He was carrying a bit of an injury towards the end there," he said.
Prestigiacomo has been a strong performer for the Pies, after his missed nearly all of 2008 with foot and groin injuries.
"On a personal level, I'm reasonably happy. I've managed to get through the pre-season, which was my first aim and then I got into the NAB Cup and had a few games there," he said.
"Then [my aim was] to play round one, which I've done, so I feel like I can continue on and play some consistent games and play in some winning games."
Although he conceded the milestone was tinged with disappointment because of the loss, he said it was an accolade he would cherish when he hangs up the boots.
"It's probably something I'll look back on at the end of my career," Prestigiacomo said.
"At the moment, I just feel pretty disappointed with the way it's ended. When my career is over and done with and I've retired, I'll look back and be pretty proud."
As for playing on past 2009, the miserly defender is focused on the season at hand.
"I'm trying to play some consistent footy in a successful team and I'll just worry about that at the moment and I'll worry about that when the time comes," Prestigiacomo said.
