History beckons for Scott Pendlebury who is set to play his 400th AFL game this Saturday night.
Pendlebury becomes only the sixth player in VFL/AFL history to reach the 400-game milestone and will join Brent Harvey (432), Michael Tuck (426), Shaun Burgoyne (407), Kevin Bartlett (403 games), and Dustin Fletcher (400).
As though it was scripted, the milestone will be played against arch-rival Carlton before a packed MCG on Saturday night.
The 36-year-old becomes the first Collingwood player to achieve the milestone while holding the record for most games played in the black and white stripes.
Pendlebury captained the Club on 206 occasions across nine seasons (2014-22). Another Club record.
The two-time premiership player has made the MCG his fortress having played more games at the venue than any player in VFL/ AFL history. In Round 19 this year he played his 250th.
As well as ultimate team success in 2023 and 2010, across 19 seasons in the black and white the Pies veteran has achieved a plethora of individual accolades – six All Australian blazers, five E.W. Copeland Trophies, 2010 Norm Smith Medallist and three ANZAC Day Medals.
On ANZAC Day this year, Pendlebury reached 10,000 disposals, the record for most disposals in the league. As he approaches his 400th game, he has 10,219 disposals to his name.
Collingwood President Jeff Browne congratulated Pendlebury on the outstanding achievement.
“On behalf of the entire Club, I congratulate Scott on reaching a remarkable 400 career games,” Mr Browne said.
“To become only the sixth player in our game’s history to achieve the milestone and the first Collingwood player to do so is an accomplishment Scott and every Collingwood Member and supporter should be extremely proud of.
“What Scott has been able to achieve across these past 399 games is no ordinary career. He continues to break Club and league records and his longevity in our game is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and football smarts. Scott is the ultimate AFL professional.
“You don’t have to be a Collingwood person to admire football brilliance. Scott will be etched in VFL / AFL history as one of the very best of all time.
“Congratulations, Scott. Saturday night in front of our Magpie Army will be a match we will never forget and will always shine bright in our Club’s storied history.”
AFL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Dillon said Pendlebury had produced an extraordinary level of performance across his career for Collingwood and sat easily among the greatest to have ever played for the Magpies.
“For 19 seasons, it has been our privilege as fans to watch Scott Pendlebury play our game,” Mr Dillon said.
“Scott is the epitome of skill, with an extraordinary ability to use the ball brilliantly both by hand and foot, whatever the situation around him, coupled with great vision and an incredible football IQ.
“He has set the highest of training standards, leading his team mates by example both on and off the field, and has a CV deservedly packed with honours – including two premierships, a Norm Smith medal and multiple Copeland trophies and All Australian selections.
“I also want to call out his leadership for the game, in his regular interactions with the AFL during his time as skipper of Collingwood, and his thoughtfulness and insight into the future direction of our game.
“The 400-club in our game requires an incredible love of footy and Scott will sit easily among the greatest we have seen.
“On behalf of the AFL, we congratulate Scott and Alex, and their children Jax and Darcy, on an immense contribution to our game.”
Pendlebury’s career achievements to date
Norm Smith Medallist (2010)
Six-time All Australian (2010-2014, 2019)
Three-time ANZAC Day Medallist (2010, 2011, 2019)
Five-time E.W. Copeland Trophy Winner (2011, 2013-2016)
AFLCA Champion Player of the Year (2013)
Collingwood Captain (2014-2022)
Two-time AFLPA Best Captain (2020, 2022)
Collingwood Games as Captain Record (206)
Collingwood Games Record (400)
400+ players in VFL/ AFL history
1983 - Kevin Bartlett (403)
1990 - Michael Tuck (426)
2015 - Dustin Fletcher (400)
2015 - Brent Harvey (432)
2021 - Shaun Burgoyne (407)
2024 - Scott Pendlebury (400)
