Pendlebury’s 31 disposals, which included two goals and six clearances, saw him adjudged second best on ground by coaches Nathan Buckley and Chris Scott, collecting eight votes to reaffirm his status among the competition’s elite.
Man of the match honours though were bestowed upon Harry O’Brien, who thrived against the then unbeaten Cats in a performance which showcased the 2011 All-Australian at his line breaking best.
Having revelled in his newfound freedom to push forward this season, O’Brien amassed 31 possessions, including 14 hard ball gets, while collecting nine marks, rebounding from his side’s defensive 50 on seven occasions.
Indeed, O’Brien’s endeavour and sheer athleticism enabled the 26-year old to assume responsibility as arguably the side’s leading creative spark, bursting free of the Cats press with panache.
Sam Dwyer’s fairytale debut season continued with another influential display, his now trademark composure and vision conspiring to generate a damaging 27 possession, three goal performance, earning six votes for his efforts.
Having been elevated from the rookie list after round one, Dwyer’s impact has been nothing short of immediate, with his uncanny ability to evade the clutches of oncoming opponents making him a significant offensive threat across the half-forward line.
Jarryd Blair and Andrew Krakouer collected two and one votes respectively for their tireless displays, helping drive Collingwood to a potentially season defining victory, while Matthew Stokes and Tom Lonergan were awarded minor votes in a losing side.
With eight rounds completed, Pendlebury sits comfortably atop Collingwood’s list of vote-getters, with Travis Cloke and Steele Sidebottom rounding out the top three.
O’Brien though is lurking in fourth place, while Dwyer has surged into equal fifth, alongside Jamie Elliott, emphasising his not insignificant value to a side with Premiership aspirations.
Gold Coast superstar Gary Ablett remains the front runner amongst all players on 41 votes, sitting three clear of Daniel Hannebery of Sydney, while Adelaide’s Patrick Dangerfield, Sydney co-captain Kieran Jack and reigning Brownlow Medallist Jobe Watson complete the top five.
Collingwood v Geelong - Round Eight
| Votes | Player | Club |
| 10 | Harry O'Brien | Collingwood |
| 8 | Scott Pendlebury | Collingwood |
| 6 | Sam Dwyer | Collingwood |
| 2 | Jarryd Blair | Collingwood |
| 2 | Mathew Stokes | Geelong |
| 1 | Andrew Krakouer | Collingwood |
| 1 | Tom Lonergan | Geelong |
Collingwood Leaderboard for the 2013 AFLCA Champion Player of the Year Award (after eight rounds)
| Votes | Player |
| 28 | Scott Pendlebury |
| 18 | Travis Cloke |
| 17 | Steele Sidebottom |
| 16 | Harry O'Brien |
| 10 | Sam Dwyer |
| 10 | Jamie Elliott |
| 8 | Heath Shaw |
| 8 | Dane Swan |
| 7 | Dale Thomas |
| 4 | Jarryd Blair |
| 4 | Quinten Lynch |
| 3 | Nathan Brown |
| 1 | Ben Hudson |
| 1 | Andrew Krakouer |
| 1 | Brent Macaffer |
| 1 | Alan Toovey |
Overall 2013 AFLCA Champion Player of the Year Award Leaderboard (after seven rounds)
| Votes | Player | Club |
| 41 | Gary Ablett | Gold Coast |
| 38 | Daniel Hannebery | Sydney |
| 35 | Patrick Dangerfield | Adelaide |
| 35 | Kieren Jack | Sydney |
| 35 | Jobe Watson | Essendon |
| 30 | Travis Boak | Port Adelaide |
| 30 | Hamish Hartlett | Port Adelaide |
| 29 | Pearce Hanley | Brisbane |
| 29 | Scott Pendlebury | Collingwood |
| 29 | Rory Sloane | Adelaide |
