ZAIDA GLIBANOVIC
FOOTBALL
By ZAIDA GLIBANOVIC THE region’s Collingwood fans flocked to Sale Football-Netball Club last week to see and hold the 2023 Collingwood AFL premiership cup. The premiership cup tour made its way to Sale on Monday, November 13, with many fans eagerly waiting around the ground to get their hands on the Holy Grail. This journalist was among the many Pies diehards who lined up to snag a snap with the cup. Among the crowd was Bruce Pendlebury, father of Collingwood legend and games record holder Scott Pendlebury. “I suppose it’s surreal, and (Scott) is going to keep playing as well – so it’s not the end. I’m super proud,” Bruce said. “To play for so long as well is an amazing effort – he finds those ways to look after himself – his mind and his body. It’s fantastic.” Beaming with pride, Bruce said he was glad to see Scott succeed in an on-field coaching role. “He’s nurturing and teaching the young ones,” he said. Loving footy under Craig McRae, Bruce said we should expect to see Scott in the black and white for a couple more seasons to come. Growing up in Sale, Pendlebury’s initial love was basketball before deciding to head down the football path. Due to representative commitments, he only played one senior game for Sale Football-Netball Club in 2005. “I think it’s amazing to have it brought here. He only played one game in Sale because he played all his juniors at College,” Bruce said. With Scott snagging his first AFL Grand Final goal in five appearances at this year’s decider, the goal was the cherry on top of the premiership win for the Pendlebury family. “I’ve always told him don’t ever lean back when you’re kicking for goal, and he clutched it. To kick one like that was pretty sneaky – he and Bobby Hill had a good connection. As soon as the defenders turned their heads, Scott said, ‘Thank you’,” Bruce said. With Collingwood fans still celebrating into November, the Pendlebury’s had quite their own celebrations. “It was an amazing day. Celebrations went deep and dark into the Monday – I came home Tuesday for a rest,” Bruce laughed. Scott is known to gift his parents his trophies and medals. Scott’s 2023 premiership medal and jumper was at his parent’s house just last week. Bruce was eager to bring the mementos to the cup day, but they were sent back to Scott’s Bayside home before Bruce could share them on Monday. Fans came everywhere – with Churchill locals, Bella and Leah Hughes, making the trip to Sale. With a record-equalling 16th premiership cup still on tour, the Pies fans will continue to celebrate. Can you blame them?
