Scott Pendlebury may have played in three Grand Finals during his career so far, but it was his first ANZAC Day clash that jangled the nerves like no other.
"I reckon the most nervous I've been is my first ANZAC Day as a player, even more so than the Grand Finals," Pendlebury said on Thursday, ANZAC Day eve.
"You come to Collingwood, it's the first thing you pencil in."
A two-time ANZAC Day medallist, Pendlebury said the nerves may have subsided by now, but he is still acutely aware of the importance of performing well in big games.
"Tomorrow's going to be a big challenge and I want to play well again. It means nothing what I've done in the past, I want to play well tomorrow," Pendlebury said.
Friday's game will mark the 20th ANZAC Day clash between Collingwood and Essendon and both teams are approaching the game in mixed form.
The Magpies have steadied the ship to win their last two games, while the Bombers – after a hot start – have dropped two in a row.
But Pendlebury says the existing formline counts for little.
"That's the beauty of ANZAC Day. If we'd been five and zip and they'd been nought and five, this game has always been huge," he said.
"It doesn't matter what's happened in previous rounds, it's on from the first bounce tomorrow.
"You get a great crowd, a great atmosphere and it's whoever works hardest on the day gets the result."
Brendon Goddard has been ruled out of the game for Essendon with an adductor injury, while Tom Bellchambers (ankle) will also miss.
"Any time a quality player like 'BJ' (Goddard) is out of the side, it's always nice, but they're still going to be up and about tomorrow and we expect a fierce contest," Pendlebury said.
There will be a number of players, from both sides, experiencing the ANZAC Day stage for the first time.
"New guys like Jesse White, it'll be his first ANZAC Day. They might have a few new ones as well - I suppose it's Chappy's first ANZAC Day game," Pendlebury said.
"It's always a special day and I think opposition clubs are always envious of us playing."
"(It's about) keeping your head, staying calm early, and then going from there."
'I reckon it's the most nervous I've been'
Scott Pendlebury may have played in three Grand Finals during his career so far, but it was his first Anzac Day clash that jangled the nerves like no other.
