Scott Pendlebury has ensured that he will most-likely end his career at Collingwood after signing a two-year contract extension with the club.
Pendlebury, who now holds Collingwood’s club record in games as well as games as captain, will remain at the club through the 2023 season.
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The 33-year-old’s extension is a relief to Collingwood fans after a brief scare throughout the year where it looked like their iconic skipper could be on the move.
“I’m glad to have come to an arrangement with the club to share in what feels like a new era,” Pendlebury said in a club statement.
“Being a one-club player was one thing, something I am proud of, but my main motivation is to do all that I can to assist ‘Fly’ [senior coach Craig McRae] and the new coaching group develop the squad.
“If you are not in contention, you have to be working towards it. That’s exciting.”
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The move was lauded by Collingwood’s GM of Football, Graham Wright, who pointed to the important leadership role Pendlebury has at the club on an otherwise young list.
“One day, Fin Macrae or Tyler Brown or Reef McInnes will be able to look back and appreciate that in their earliest years they learnt from one of the best of all time in Scott,” Wright said in the statement.
“His achievements speak for themselves but his dedication to his craft and ability to inspire the wider group is a fabulous asset for our club.
“It is very pleasing to know he will be with us for another two seasons.”
Pendlebury played in 18 matches in 2021 and averaged 23.2 disposals per game, making it his 14th consecutive season of averaging 20 disposals or more per game.
His remarkable consistency was also reflected in the club’s best and fairest count, where his third-placed finish was his 13th top-three finish in 16 counts.