Scott Pendlebury wins fifth Collingwood best and fairest after edging out recruit Adam Treloar
COLLINGWOOD captain Scott Pendlebury has won his fourth-straight Copeland Trophy and fifth overall, cementing his reputation one of the Magpies’ greatest-ever players.
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COLLINGWOOD captain Scott Pendlebury won his fourth-straight Copeland Trophy and fifth overall on Friday night, cementing his reputation one of the Magpies’ greatest-ever players.
After playing with broken ribs in the first month of the season, the superstar ball-winner polled 164 votes for the year to edge out fellow midfielders Adam Treloar (145) and Steele Sidebottom (115).
Treloar’s second-place finish helped validate the club’s controversial decision to trade two first-round draft picks for the speedy onballer, despite a groin injury that left him unable to train with the main group before February.
Gun ruckman Brodie Grundy (100) was rewarded for his excellent fourth AFL season, ahead of ex-Demons’ high-flyer Jeremy Howe (81), in fifth.
Pendlebury’s triumph last night means he joins Hall of Famer Len Thompson as a five-time best and fairest winner after taking out the honour in 2011 and 2013-16.
Coach Nathan Buckley said the Pies would aim to win the ultimate prize next season after missing finals for the past three years.
“Above all, 2017 is our year to return to being contenders for the flag,” Buckley said.
“The greatest danger for most of us is not in setting our aim to high and falling short, but setting it too low and reaching it.
“When it comes to the Collingwood Football Club we’ve never been afraid of setting big goals and ambitions.
“Biting off more than we can chew and chewing like hell.”
SBuckley is the only player to have won six Copeland Trophies.
The skipper also received the Gavin Brown award, which was voted on each week by the players.
Pendlebury, 28, produced another outstanding season, averaging 29 possessions a game.
He had the best disposal efficiency of the AFL’s top-50 midfielders and averaged eight score involvements per game, which was ranked seventh across the competition, according to Champion Data.
The sublime left-footer again proved to be one of the AFL’s most durable players, playing all 22 games.
It was the 10th-straight season Pendlebury has managed at least 21 games since being taken with pick No.5 in the 2005 national draft.
Mature-age defender Josh Smith was one of the surprises of the night finishing seventh (78) in his first year at the club since he was plucked from Queensland via the rookie draft.
Retired veteran Brent Macaffer took out the Darren Millane Memorial Trophy for the best clubman and the VFL best and fairest award.
Travis Cloke declined an invitation to attend last night as he awaits a move to Western Bulldogs in next week’s trade period.
COPELAND TROPHY TOP 10
1. Scott Pendlebury 164 votes
2. Adam Treloar 145
3. Steele Sidebottom 115
4. Brodie Grundy 100
5. Jeremy Howe 81
6. Taylor Adams 79
7. Josh Smith 78
8. Levi Greenwood 73
9. Jack Crisp 66
10. Jarryd Blair 60
Originally published as Scott Pendlebury wins fifth Collingwood best and fairest after edging out recruit Adam Treloar
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