Scott Pendlebury has been appointed Collingwood AFL captain for a ninth consecutive season.
The five time Copeland Trophy winner is already Collingwood’s longest serving captain (183 matches) and his re-appointment today, which was announced to the AFL squad this morning, is a reflection of the 34 year-old’s standing in the changeroom.
It is also an acknowledgment of the fact the AFL program has been almost completely rebuilt in the last two years. Pendlebury’s steadying influence and guidance may be more valuable than ever before.
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“It is, and always has been, a great honour to lead the team and stand for everyone who loves the black and white,” Pendlebury said.
“But I’ve got added motivation this year, my ninth in the role, which is to assist the new coaching panel to develop what is a relatively young squad.
“There’s no shortage of strong and emerging leaders in our group and this year we’ll take the opportunity to further develop those players as future leaders and, as a group, we have a role to play in the education of something like 20 or 21 first, second or third year players.”
Pendlebury has played 334 games for Collingwood – another club record and has played more matches at the MCG than any player in league history.
At the 2021 E.W. Copeland Trophy count, the skipper’s extraordinary level of sustained excellence shone with a third place finish, his 13th top three placing in 16 seasons.
In October Pendlebury signed a two-year deal that should see him play 18 seasons in the black and white.
The club’s other leadership appointments will be made in coming weeks.
Craig McRae addressed the playing group this morning, watch below.
