BREAKING NEWS:Scott Pendlebury slams Collingwoods suggestion are too old to challenge for the premiership…
In a passionate response to critics who claim Collingwood lacks the youthful dynamism needed to contend for the AFL Premiership, Collingwood veteran Scott Pendlebury has forcefully dismissed the notion, asserting the team’s experienced roster is more than capable of mounting a serious challenge. Pendlebury, a revered figure in Australian football, stated that experience and grit, not just youth, are critical to success in the highly competitive league.
Pendlebury’s comments come amid widespread discussions about the team’s age profile, with several pundits suggesting that Collingwood, known for its mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent, may struggle to keep up with younger, faster squads. The 36-year-old captain, however, sees this differently, emphasizing that age brings invaluable insights and on-field intelligence, particularly in high-stakes games.
In his rebuke, Pendlebury highlighted the contributions of key veterans such as Steele Sidebottom and Jeremy Howe, who, along with Pendlebury, provide leadership that he argues will be instrumental in a deep finals run. “Our team has the skill and the mental toughness that only comes from years of experience,” Pendlebury said. “When it comes to finals footy, the difference is often in the small things—knowing when to push, when to hold back, and how to handle the pressure. We have those skills in spades.”
Pendlebury also called attention to Collingwood’s balanced approach, noting that while the club has retained a core group of seasoned players, it has also infused the squad with emerging stars like Nick Daicos and Beau McCreery, whose energy and agility complement the wisdom of the veterans. This blend of youth and experience, he insists, is exactly what’s needed to adapt to the rigors of the modern AFL season.
Statistics show that Collingwood’s veteran players continue to perform at an elite level. Pendlebury himself remains one of the league’s most consistent midfielders, with impressive possession numbers and a calm, methodical style that anchors the team’s play. Sidebottom and Howe, too, have shown little sign of slowing down, often logging crucial tackles and creating momentum in key moments.
Pendlebury’s response aims to silence the critics and refocus the narrative around Collingwood’s genuine premiership ambitions. “We’re not just here to make up the numbers,” Pendlebury said. “We’re here to bring home a premiership, and we have the players, the strategy, and the heart to do it.”
As Collingwood’s training continues, the Magpies seem determined to prove that age is indeed just a number, with Pendlebury leading a squad eager to turn doubters into believers once again.
