By Peter Ryan and Jake Niall
Why Pies champion Pendlebury is on verge of rare 400-game mark
By Peter Ryan
The competitiveness developed in childhood battles with brothers Kris and Ryan continues to drive Collingwood champion Scott Pendlebury as he prepares to become the sixth player to reach the 400-game milestone on Saturday night against Carlton.
The 36-year-old said the fact he rocked up to every match desperate to win reminded him weekly why he loved the game and why he wanted to join his teammates in battle, whether sore, tired or under the pump.
Scott Pendlebury with wife Alex, son Jax and daughter Darcy ahead of his 400th game on Saturday night.Credit: Simon Schluter
“I was trying to think of words as to why I’ve probably kept going and I think it’s [because] I’m competitive,” Pendlebury said.
“Anything I do, I want to try and win … I’ll use the rule book to my advantage if I have to.
“I love that feeling when the siren goes [after a win] and when that feeling goes I won’t love [playing] any more.”
That will remain the motivating force for the dual premiership player and Norm Smith medallist to keep going into next season – as will happen – rather than trying to hang on for 33 more games to pass the 432-game mark set by former North Melbourne star Brent Harvey.
“Getting to 400 games wasn’t a target. It’s just to play because I love playing,” Pendlebury said.
“I’ll enjoy this for 400 and not worry too much about trying to chase down a record or things like that because the love of the game is what got me to this point.”
Collingwood’s season is hanging in the balance as they attempt to resurrect their season and make finals.
The 400-game club (from left): Michael Tuck, Shaun Burgoyne, Scott Pendlebury, Dustin Fletcher and Brent Harvey on Wednesday. Credit: Simon Schluter
Pendlebury knows what is at stake but resisted labelling it as a sudden death final.
“We know what we are playing for. We need a win to stay alive in the season and it was great to get a little bit of form back against Richmond,” he said.
Such moments are nothing new to Pendlebury, who spent nine seasons as Collingwood skipper and has played in 31 finals. His mindset, however, meant every game he played carried a certain gravity.
“I’ve almost put a little bit of pressure on myself that it is the most important game and you have to perform because of all the things that great people have said about how you having to perform every week,” he said.
That he never shows that pressure has become his hallmark, his unflustered gait and near-perfect disposal helping the heart rate of any Collingwood fan who has watched him through his career.
But while he gives the impression of being football’s David Gower, his mind is running as quickly as his opponents.
“It certainly feels a lot faster when I am out there. I don’t feel like I have as much time as sometimes it probably could be perceived,” Pendlebury said.
He has noticed how quick and fit the modern-day athlete is, so his only answer has been to do as much preparation as he can before games to eliminate surprises. It worked. He will charge into game 400 having been the highest-rated player on the ground at three-quarter-time in game 399 against Richmond before he was subbed to keep him fresh for the occasion ahead.
Surrounded not only by family on Wednesday, he found himself joined by four of the five members of the 400-game club with only Kevin Bartlett unavailable due to a health appointment. It was a sobering moment for Pendlebury as Harvey, Michael Tuck, Shaun Burgoyne and Dustin Fletcher asked for his signature to be added to their jumper.
On Saturday night, he joins the game’s most exclusive club after beginning his famous preparation on Thursday when he turns off the phone and takes a mental break. “It’s surreal,” Pendlebury said.
Blues to face no further action over McKay head knock
By Jake Niall
The AFL will take no further action over Carlton’s handling of Harry McKay after a head knock against North Melbourne in round 19.
Heavy hit: Carlton’s Harry McKay against North Melbourne in round 19.Credit: Getty Images
The Blues were reprimanded for their handling of McKay’s concussion test against the Roos. After the Blues took several minutes to take McKay from the field, the league found the club had breached concussion protocols but accepted that club doctors had been dealing with multiple injuries at the time.
McKay was cleared of concussion, returned to the field against North and was selected to play against Port Adelaide last Friday, but after he withdrew from that match the AFL said it would make fresh inquiries.
An AFL spokesman said on Wednesday: “The AFL has finalised its inquiries with Carlton in relation to the management of Harry McKay in the lead-up to last Friday night’s match and thereafter.
“The AFL is comfortable with the medical management of McKay and his availability for selection this weekend will be determined by Carlton.”
Clubs’ handling of players after head knocks has become increasingly contentious.
The Brisbane Lions were fined $40,000 – $10,000 suspended – for their handling of a concussion involving star defender Harris Andrews.
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