Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury has raised the possibility of retirement at the end of the AFL season.
The Magpies’ games record-holder is entering his 17th season but will lead the club for the ninth straight year.
When asked if it could be his last season as skipper, Pendlebury was upfront about his future.
“It could be my last year as a player, I don’t know, but I’m not really thinking about that,” Pendlebury said on Wednesday.
“I’m thinking about having a good pre-season, which I’ve had, and getting the boys ready for the season.”
His comments are interesting considering the 34-year-old signed a fresh two-year deal last October, taking Pendlebury out to the end of the 2023 season.
The champion midfielder’s 2021 campaign was cut short after fracturing his leg in round 19.
Pendlebury broke his leg again in December but has returned to training as fit as ever.
“It was a little bit frustrating to break the leg mid-December, but fortunately enough I had surgery and within a couple of weeks I was back being able to do most things,” Pendlebury said.
“As weird as it sounds, it was actually like a good broken leg; I got a plate in there and two weeks later it was as good as gold.”
Pendlebury could spend more time in defence than ever after training across half-back during the pre-season.
“I really enjoy playing behind the ball, it’s something I’ve really wanted to do for a long period of time,” he said.
“At my age to learn a new role and put my head down and really school myself up is exciting.”
Collingwood have cut back their leadership group under new coach Craig McRae, with Pendlebury joined by vice-captains Taylor Adams, Darcy Moore and Jeremy Howe.
It will be Moore’s first year as a vice-captain with the star defender out of contract at season’s end.
Fellow free agent Jordan De Goey did not train with the main group on Wednesday after suffering a big hit to the ribs last week.
“He’s a pretty tough boy, so nothing to worry about,” Pendlebury said.
De Goey was welcomed back to the club in January after three months in exile following his October run-in with the law in New York.
“He’s come back in, fitted in really well, he’s trained hard and contributing a lot in our environment,” Pendlebury said.
“I know it was really hard for him being away from the place for so long so it’s been great to welcome him back in.”
Collingwood finished in a record-low 17th position last year, with club legend Nathan Buckley departing as coach mid-season.
Macca
Roar Rookie
Yeah we need to see if Harry can back it up but I would be very surprised if he didn't. The big question is what impact does Charlie have on Harry? Charlie roaming higher with his penetrating kick might lead to Harry playing deeper and getting more one on ones and kicking more goals. Alternately Charlie might find more space as opponents try to cover Harry and be targeted more inside 50 leading to Harry kicking less goals.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Let's see if he stays HB
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Macca, our dearth of key forwards is dragging on so long I'll take handy! Look he hasn't the power of big Harry but he can take a really good contested mark and is mobile for a big fella. I saw some article (not in here) this week listing big Harry as deserving $1 mill a year. A bit early I thought. Let's see his back up his excellent 2021 before we title him as the next Tomahawk. Maybe, Macca, just maybe he will do a Tomahawk and destroy an opponent in a GF. What year though? I know you're hoping for a spot in the lower 8 this season but when will you seriously be a shot for a flag?
Macca
Roar Rookie
" it’s not about age it’s about improvement" Yep, but the older you get the less improvement you have in you. I do think Cameron looks a good player, but I doubt he will become elite.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Thought the Harry comment might get you Macca. Nevertheless it’s not about age it’s about improvement . You would recall I wanted Harry at the Pies years before his breakout season and I can see the same improvement path for Darcy Cameron with the added benefit that he can ruck really well.
Kevo
Roar Rookie
It would have been a good opportunity to make Moore captain this year. He's the most obvious choice. Crisp as vice captain, and one of the youngsters as dvc. Pendles, Sidey, Adams, Howe out of inner leadership group but still having supporting roles.
Kevo
Roar Rookie
Nearly captained a premiership. Has a Norm. Consistent elite performer over the journey but has slipped a little in recent times. Handled himself well in public when Eddie kept shooting himself in the foot.
Macca
Roar Rookie
" Darcy Cameron is the next Harry McKay too" Not sure you can be the next Harry McKay is you are 30 months older than him? All he need to do is triple his shots on goal and increase his score involvements by 50% in while going back in time 2 1/2 years and he will be on track though :laughing: :laughing:
Aransan
Roar Rookie
Surely continuing to play is a year by year proposition at his age. Financially it would be worth continuing, but it would tarnish his reputation if he wasn’t up to it. Would he remain as captain in 2023? Would he want to continue playing if he wasn’t captain?
Chris M
Guest
If Pendlebury signed a new deal in October for 2 years and now says it could be his last year as a player, what has changed? Has old age caught up with him in the last few months faster than he expected, or is it possible that he isn't as enthusiastic about playing off half back as he says he is?
Chanon
Roar Rookie
He may if he heads over to the Cats :silly:
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
From the smalls mate. Ginnivan, Elliott, WHE, Daicos x 2, McReery, for bigs Darcy Cameron is the next Harry McKay too, Checkers and De Goey will get 40
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
No way Scotty will play to 40
Opps74
Roar Rookie
Pendles signed on for 2 years at his request...I can only see him retire before then if he sustains a serious injury...looking forward to his new role...more concerned about where we are going to get the goals from
Chum
Roar Rookie
9 years as Collingwood captain - jeez, when you think of everything that has happened at Collingwood over the last 9 years you wonder how he's managed to keep his job or be regarded as a decent leader.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Hahaha :thumbup:
Maxy
Roar Rookie
perhaps it might be,maybe not.It is possible though