Since being selected by Collingwood with the fifth pick in the 2005 draft, Scott Pendlebury has consistently showcased exceptional skill, poise, and tactical awareness on the field. His ability to navigate through the most congested situations with remarkable finesse has set him apart. As he approaches a milestone 433rd match, which will make him the record-holder for the most VFL/AFL games played, the 38-year-old also continues to triumph over the relentless passage of time.
Spanning nearly two decades, Pendlebury’s career ranks as the fifth-longest in VFL/AFL history, making it challenging to recall all his extraordinary achievements. As he dons a gold No. 10 jersey, here are six pivotal moments that highlight the brilliance of this Magpies icon.
2006 – Debut Highlights
Pendlebury provided an early glimpse of his potential during his debut, gathering the ball across half-back 17 minutes into the game. As Brisbane’s Daniel Bradshaw approached, the new Magpie No. 16 confidently handed off to teammate Ryan Lonie, initiating a counterattack. This marked the beginning of Pendlebury’s record-setting tally of 5,491 handballs to date. However, the best was yet to come in the second quarter.
Finding space in the forward 50, a hallmark of his playing style, Pendlebury received a precise pass from Nathan Buckley. The 18-year-old effortlessly slotted the ball off his left boot, entering the exclusive “first kick, first goal” club, while commentators noted his basketball background for the first time.
2007 – Breakout Finals Series
After a debut season marred by glandular fever, Pendlebury became an essential part of the Magpies lineup in his second year, playing 23 matches. Sporting the iconic No. 10, he demonstrated his knack for rising to the occasion during his first final against a Sydney team that had reached the grand final the previous two years. He recorded personal bests with 24 disposals and six clearances, alongside scoring a goal as the Pies advanced.
Following that, they faced reigning champions West Coast at their home ground in Subiaco. The match ended in a deadlock at the final buzzer, but Pendlebury’s composed kick in extra time led to a memorable win as he improved his stats further with 26 disposals and seven clearances. These consecutive standout performances solidified Pendlebury’s status as a rising star.
2010 – Grand Final Stardom
Pendlebury’s reputation as a key player in crucial matches was firmly established as Collingwood triumphed over reigning champions Geelong to reach the 2010 grand final. However, he had a quieter impact during the initial draw against St Kilda, which was later attributed to a stomach bug that caused him to lose six kilograms prior to the match.
In the grand final replay, the Magpies surged ahead with Pendlebury orchestrating the play. The final 56-point margin remains the largest in Collingwood’s 16 premierships, and the 22-year-old was honored with the Norm Smith Medal for his outstanding performance, which included 29 disposals, 11 tackles, and six clearances.
2011 – Anzac Day Masterclass
Pendlebury set the record for most Anzac Day medals with four, beginning with his first in 2010. His 29 disposals, five clearances, and a goal exemplified his prowess during that clash against the Bombers. However, he surpassed even that remarkable display the following year.
In a standout performance, Pendlebury won his second consecutive Anzac Day medal, excelling in all facets of the game. He accumulated 34 disposals and eight clearances, scoring goals from both pockets to set the match’s tone. As the Magpies pulled away, Pendlebury capped off his performance with a career-high third goal from a set shot after the final siren.
2023 – Defining Grand Final Play
In one of the most exhilarating grand finals in recent history, Pendlebury’s calmness under pressure helped Collingwood stay competitive against Brisbane. At 35 years old, he silenced retirement discussions with another impressive outing, tallying 24 disposals, six clearances, and a goal.
The moment that solidified his place in Magpies history happened when he took charge after the Lions regained the lead with under five minutes remaining. Partnering with Nick Daicos and Jordan de Goey at the next center bounce, a swift handpass from Daicos created the space Pendlebury needed to launch a left-foot kick into the forward 50, where De Goey capitalized for an immediate response. The Pies secured the win, granting Pendlebury his second premiership, 13 years after his first.
2026 – Legacy Confirmation
Anzac Day clashes have been significant for Pendlebury, notably in 2024 when he became the first player in VFL/AFL history to reach 10,000 career disposals. However, in his 431st game in 2026, he returned to form with a new career-high of 43 disposals, earning the best-on-ground medal for an unprecedented fourth time.
Facing a challenge from the Bombers early in the third term, Pendlebury skillfully maneuvered past two opponents to extend the Magpies’ lead with a beautiful finish. He scored his second goal—and his side’s last of the day—in the closing moments, concluding a remarkable performance that included 10 marks, four clearances, and 19 score involvements, solidifying his Anzac Day legacy.
