The Player - Perhaps the prototype of the modern midfielder. Sleek, skillful and slippery, Pendlebury is one of the bona fide stars of the competition. Forms a powerful midfield quartet alongside Dane Swan, Luke Ball and Dale Thomas, and his ability to win the contested ball as well as use his creativity in open space has made him one of the hardest players to tag. His graceful style of play belies his hardness, for he is a fierce tackler and renowned for his abilities at the bottom of the packs. Often appears to be playing at a different tempo to the other players on the field, such is his calmness that stems from playing as a point guard in basketball teams in his youth. Boasts an imposing trophy cabinet, with his crowning glory his 2010 Norm Smith Medal. Has been a vice-captain of the club since 2009. More exciting for his supporters is that may yet have further improvement left.
2011
Most players would be satisfied with a season like Pendlebury had in 2010, but the vice-captain took it to another level in 2011. Averaged 29.7 disposals in all 25 games (never dipping below 20 in a match), kicked 24 goals (including three in both matches against Essendon) and polled 24 Brownlow votes to finish equal third.
Confirmed his reputation as a big game player in averaging 34.3 disposals during the finals series, and was one of Collingwood’s best in the Grand Final loss to Geelong. Named on a wing in the All-Australian side and capped off his year with his first Copeland Trophy.
2010
A season to remember. Named in the All-Australian team (on the interchange) for the first time, polled 21 Brownlow votes, won his first Anzac Day Medal in round five, and ran second in the Copeland Trophy. But none of this compared to his Norm Smith Medal in the Grand Final replay and his first premiership at the age of 22.
After an uncharacteristically quiet first Grand Final, where his impact (19 disposals, six tackles) was lessened by gastro, Pendlebury fought back in the replay (29 disposals, 11 tackles) en route to his Norm Smith Medal. Averaged 26.6 disposals and 5.5 tackles for the season and finished fourth in the Brownlow Medal.
2009
Began to attract more attention from the umpires, accruing 13 Brownlow votes. Gathered 30 or more disposals in eight matches, but didn’t have the scoreboard impact he may have liked (eight goals in 21 matches). Won a career high 39 disposals against Melbourne on the Queen’s Birthday.
His importance to the side was underscored when he broke his leg early in the qualifying final against a rampant St Kilda, sidelining him for the rest of the season. Suddenly, Collingwood’s midfield had lost its prime mover, severely impacting upon its fortunes for the rest of September. Finished sixth in the Copeland Trophy.
2008
Continued his improvement, averaging 22.5 disposals and was selected in the Victorian team in the AFL Hall of Fame Tribute Match. Elevated into the club’s leadership group in the pre-season. His best match of the season came on Anzac Day in round six, when he amassed 26 disposals and seven tackles against the Bombers. Played his 50th game in round 19 against St Kilda, and again stood up in the finals, with over 20 disposals in both matches.
2007
Surprised many with a definitive breakout season. Changed to guernsey no. 10 after Blake Caracella’s retirement. Averaged 18.9 disposals, 3.3 tackles and booted 20 goals across 23 games. Nominated for the AFL Rising Star after the round four loss to Port Adelaide.
Broke his foot minutes into the loss to Brisbane in round 17 but remarkably missed only two games. Enjoyed an excellent September, gathering 24 disposals against Sydney in the elimination final and 26 as the semi final against West Coast went into extra time. Kicked the sealer in the win over the Eagles late in the second half of extra time.
Finished his second season as runner up to Travis Cloke in the Copeland Trophy, and finished second to Joel Selwood in the NAB AFL Rising Star.
2006
Impeded by glandular fever during the pre-season, but quickly made up ground for Williamstown in the VFL. Won a senior promotion in round 10 after he was named as an emergency in three of the previous four matches.
Debuted against the Brisbane Lions on a Saturday night at the MCG wearing the N.o 16 jumper. Goaled with his first kick, marking a pass from his captain Nathan Buckley. Missed only one of the next 10 games due to illness. Omitted for round 20 and remained an emergency for the final month of the season, including the Elimination Final loss to the Western Bulldogs.
2005
Began the year on a basketball scholarship at the Australian Institute of Sport. Quit on the eve of the football season, and having not played football since under-12s, trialled for Gippsland in the U18s.
Improved rapidly and was selected for Vic Country in the National U18 Championships, where he averaged 17 disposals. Was a part of the Gippsland U18 premiership team in the TAC Cup alongside Dale Thomas, with Tyson Goldsack and Brent Macaffer also named in the squad. Was something of a surprise selection at pick five in the National Draft.
Debut
Round 10 2006 v Brisbane at the MCG.
Milestones
- 50th Game - Round 19 2008 v St Kilda at the MCG.
- 100th Game - Preliminary Final 2010 v Geelong at the MCG.
Draft History
2005 AFL Draft 1st round selection (Collingwood) No. 5 overall.
