Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury says Pies can beat any team in September

SOME think West Coast is across the line in its qualifying final against Collingwood, but not Scott Pendlebury. The Pies skipper says his team is ready for any September challenge — anywhere.

Scott Pendlebury and the Pies are confident. Pic: AAP

SCOTT Pendlebury has boldly declared Collingwood can beat any team at any venue in a September rallying cry to the black-and-white faithful.

Collingwood will take on West Coast for a chance to leap into a home preliminary final on Saturday, exactly five years and one day since the Pies’ last final.

With four interstate wins this year — including a last-start victory over Fremantle at Optus Stadium — the Pies skipper is backing his team to wreak some havoc this finals campaign.

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“I think Bucks (Nathan Buckley) said it last week. My belief is the same as his. We can beat anyone. Whether it’s at West Coast, Sale, on the MCG. If you bring a side out to play us, I will back our 22 in. It’s just the way we play,” he said.

“No matter who we play, we play a brand of footy that is exciting, we defend really strong, we go really hard around the footy, and we kick goals and put scoreboard pressure on quickly.

“That is where my belief lies and it lies in evidence that we have been able to do it this year.”

Questions about the club’s culture were raised following Sam Murray’s positive drug test, but Pendlebury believes the Pies have something special.

“I have never wavered in the direction this club has been going. Externally I know there is a lot flying around,” he said.

Scott Pendlebury says the Magpies are full of belief. Pic: AAP

Nathan Buckley has his team humming. Pic: Getty Images

“The last few years have shaped where we are now. You only have to look at last year at how many closer games we have lost whereas this year you look at those close games and we have learnt and gone on to win them.”

If the Pies have to absorb West Coast’s weapons — including a front six together for the first time this year after constant injuries — All Australian ruckman Brodie Grundy is happy to play his part.

He admitted after winning selection on the bench in the year’s best team, his mind quickly wavered to multiple selections as well as team success.

Starting All Australian ruckman Max Gawn is seen as a kick-behind-the-play ruckman, with Grundy happy to tailor his game to suit Collingwood’s needs against West Coast’s tall forwards.

Brodie Grundy wanted the no.1 rucking spot in the All-Australian team. Pic: AAP

“You mention Max Gawn, it’s what he definitely does, he pushes behind the play. And it is not something I normally have front of mind but we have teams require that from their ruckman and that will be something that we require of me or Mason when we ruck, for sure.”

Grundy is bold enough to admit he covets a starting spot in the All Australian team, although he isn’t exactly sure why he was pushed to the bench.

“No I haven’t made any inquiries. All Australian is All Australian so it sounds pretty good,’’ he said.

“He is a different player to me and the selectors perhaps value his style of player over mine for that starting role and that’s motivation to continue to get better and hopefully go one better next year.”