Pendlebury cements Pies’ GOAT status

IF he wasn’t already, Scott Pendlebury should surely be considered the greatest Collingwood player of all time following Saturday’s AFL Grand Final win over Brisbane.

The 35-year-old played his 383rd game in the four-point win and was immense, particularly as the game tightened in the third and fourth terms.

The smooth mover finished with 24 disposals, one goal, nine contested possessions, seven score involvements and six clearances. But it was when he earned his disposals that counted.

Firstly, his goal in the 28th minute of the third term steadied the side and put them back in front after a run of five consecutive behinds, and he kept that momentum going in the fourth.

When the game was there to be won, Pendlebury helped himself to 11 disposals, three marks and three tackles. Again elevating himself above all others when it mattered, again.

Coach, Craig McRae, was wowed by his veteran’s final term as he described Pendlebury as an incredible role model for his teammates.

“Pendles’ last quarter was something else,” McRae said post-match.

“His composure when everyone else was getting a little fatigued and what you guys see or don’t see is the organisation.

“When we get behind on the scoreboard with about five minutes to go we flick a switch and go into a different phase of our ball movement that we need to take more risks, and he just orchestrates it.

“You can’t buy experience on Grand Final day. Those two in particular [Pendlebury and Sidebottom] have been remarkable for our group.

“Pendles has done three PBs in the gym three weeks in a row, talk about getting better every day, our oldest player is getting better every day.

“He’s an incredible role model for the rest of us.”

Pendlebury has achieved everything in the black and white and now also looks likely to be the first player in club history to pass 400 games.

He and his great mate Steele Sidebottom – who will also be remembered as a club legend – are now also the first two-time Collingwood premiership players since the 1950s.

While some have shone brighter than Pendlebury in bursts, there’s no argument now that his resume, consistent excellence and ability to stand up on the big stage has him above every other player to ever done the famous colours.

– LACHLAN GELEIT/ SEN