Scott Pendlebury says Collingwood’s midfield must become more selfless to succeed

COLLINGWOOD captain Scott Pendlebury says the club’s star midfield division must become more selfless to unlock its potential and end the Magpies’ finals drought.

COLLINGWOOD captain Scott Pendlebury says the club’s star midfield division must become more selfless to unlock its potential.

Pendlebury backed the decision to swap Darcy Moore and Ben Reid’s positions in 2018, saying the move would help showcase Moore’s sparkling athleticism and Reid’s contested marking ability.

The Pies’ midfield, including rising stars Adam Treloar and Taylor Adams and gun duo Steele Sidebottom and Daniel Wells, was rated the No.1 engine room in the competition last year by Champion Data.

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But that rating has dropped to sixth this year.

Top draft pick Jaidyn Stephenson could provide more run and polish after the Pies put aside concerns surrounding his heart condition.

“If we get to the end of next season and Tay (Adams), ‘Adzy’ (Treloar) and myself have had another year like we did last year, then I think we will go backwards (as a team),” Pendlebury said.

Scott Pendlebury and Adam Treloar. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

“We need to spread the load and us guys need to become more selfless and get other guys involved and make other players better, like Brayden Maynard and Jordy de Goey, Jaidyn Stephenson, (Tom) Phillips, Sidebottom, (James) Aish, all these guys.

“If we can all have 20 touches and five or six tackles a game, it’s better than a few of us having 35 (disposals). We have got to be more selfless as a group in there and we will be better for it.”

On No.6 pick Stephenson, Pendlebury said: “He can definitely run, I’ll give you the hot tip. But the best thing about the (draft) crop this year is that everyone is willing to learn. They’re so respectful and train really hard.”

Moore is set to return to centre half-back where he shone in the TAC Cup, swapping roles with Reid, who will become the spearhead in attack.

Pendlebury said the move will help unshackle Moore.

“‘Reidy’ showed last year that he can clearly play forward,” he said.

“He is a great contested mark, he is smart and Darcy going back sort of frees him up from just getting mauled all the time.

New Magpie Jaidyn Stephenson.

Darcy Moore is set to play half-back.

“He is such an athletic guy, so putting him back hopefully we see more of his athleticism.

“He is obviously going to be an important piece down there.

“Matthew Scharenberg as well has been really impressive on the track along with Tommy Langdon, two guys who are getting a bit more continuity now, so it’s very exciting.”

Geelong champion Garry Hocking (stoppages and opposition) and Western Bulldogs great Matthew Boyd (development) have also provided a different edge to the club’s coaching staff and game strategy.

“‘Buddha’ has been doing a lot of stuff with the mids and he has been great fun to work with,” Pendlebury said.

“He is so energetic and he certainly keeps you on your toes.

“He is always whacking blokes at training and he makes you think and he puts you under pressure.

“And ‘Boydy’ is just first class, you can see why he was a captain of his footy club.

“We have really tapped into his knowledge about the Bulldogs and what they do so well.”