A Milestone for Scott Pendlebury
Scott Pendlebury’s journey with Collingwood has been nothing short of remarkable. As he prepares to make his 433rd appearance in the AFL, the club has decided to mark this historic moment by placing a gold No.10 on his jersey. This decision is a fitting tribute to one of the most iconic players in the club’s history.
However, some have questioned whether there could be more creative ways to celebrate such a milestone. In other sports, athletes have used unique methods to honor their achievements. For instance, in the NRL, Alex Johnson celebrated breaking the all-time try record by wearing a gold No.2 on his back. Similarly, when Brent Harvey took over Michael Tuck’s games record at North Melbourne, the number 427 was displayed on the jerseys of all Kangaroos players.
So, what could Collingwood consider for Pendlebury? Some suggestions are lighthearted, while others aim for a more elegant approach. One idea is to simply display the number 433 along the black and white stripes of the Collingwood guernsey. This would subtly highlight the significance of the occasion without being too overt.
The Perfection of Pendlebury
Pendlebury’s career has been defined by consistency and class. His ability to read the game and make smart decisions has made him one of the most respected players in the league. Even as he continues to play, his performance has only improved, much like a fine wine.
His 2026 Anzac Day performance, which came in game 431, was arguably the best of his career. This metaphor of aging like a fine wine not only applies to his football skills but also to his personal life. Pendlebury has shown a deep appreciation for the vineyard, co-founding Elite Estate Wine and Bare Water businesses.
Through these ventures, he has collaborated with top athletes to create limited-edition wines that bring fans closer to the sports they love. One notable example is the “The Duo” bottle, a Shiraz (2021) that celebrates his partnership with teammate Steele Sidebottom over 308 games. Another Shiraz (2021) was dedicated to his 400th AFL game, and a Pinot Noir (2019) was released following the 2023 premiership. These bottles represent not just the sweetness of victory, but also the legacy of a true champion.
A Basketball Legacy
Despite his success in Australian Rules football, Pendlebury’s roots lie in basketball. His junior days in the sport have often been referenced, with Anthony Hudson famously tagging him as having a “basketball background” during his AFL debut. This label has stuck, and for good reason.
Pendlebury’s basketball experience has undoubtedly influenced his playing style. His ability to find space in a 360-degree environment, rarely holding the ball for long, and making the right decisions on the field has made him one of the best players of his era. It’s only fitting that his basketball background is acknowledged in the context of his AFL milestone.
Whether through a special jersey design or a unique celebration, there are many ways to honor Pendlebury’s achievements. As he continues to break records and inspire fans, it’s clear that his legacy will be remembered for generations to come.
