'Never been one for individual stuff': Scott Pendlebury craves third premiership on edge of 400 games
Despite nearing closer to his 400th AFL game, Collingwood veteran Scott Pendlebury says he isn't worried about individual accolades, turning his focus to a third premiership instead.
Sitting on 383 games, Pendlebury could join an elite group of just five other V/AFL players to reach the 400 club.
But after tasting premiership success for the second time in his career in 2023, all eyes turn to September 2024.
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"I've never been one for individual stuff, there's a bigger carrot that I'm going to chase next year. We all know what that is," Pendlebury told 9News Melbourne's Braden Ingram on Tuesday.
Now the league's oldest current player, Pendlebury will begin his 19th pre-season on Thursday, after coming off his modified pre-Christmas training plan.
Scott Pendlebury is just 17 games away from reaching 400. Robert Cianflone via Getty Images
"I've had a really good break. Obviously Thursday we start back with pre season, so looking forward to getting back in and getting around the group," he said.
The 36-year-old sits just 17 games away from the 400 club, where he could join Brent Harvey (432), Michael Tuck (426), Shaun Burgoyne (407), Kevin Bartlett (403) and Dustin Fletcher (400).
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While knowing he could reach the milestone by as early as round 18 in a blockbuster clash against modern rivals Geelong, Pendlebury says his mind is elsewhere.
"That's the aim (another premiership), that's the goal, that's why I keep playing," Pendlebury said.
Magpies veteran Scott Pendlebury is not slowing down ahead of season 19. RealFooty
"That's sort of always been my motto, 'prepare well, do the work'."
As for his thoughts on a possible mid-season trade period which looks unlikely to occur in the 2024 season, the one-club veteran is all for it in the future.
"I feel like everyone ... wants to do it, but when it comes to it, we never do it," Pendlebury said.
"I'd love to see it. I reckon there's guys who get stuck on lists mid year."
Collingwood begin their season as part of the AFL's new Opening Round, facing the GWS Giants, before taking on Sydney in the league's official round one fixture.
