Scott Pendlebury is a certain starter for Collingwood’s AFL opener against the Western Bulldogs, with the reappointed captain saying Saturday’s late withdrawal was precautionary.
Pendlebury sent a tremor through the Magpies when he pulled out only an hour before their last pre-season match against Richmond in Moe.
The star midfielder said he would train later this week ahead of their Friday night blockbuster on March 24 against the reigning premiers.
“Obviously being pre-season, we didn’t gamble on it or try and push me through a pre-season game,” Pendlebury said.
“We just went the safe call and I will be fine for round one.
“It’s a two out of 10 right now – I didn’t want to cop a kick or a knock and make it seven out of 10.”
Pendlebury was confirmed as captain for the fourth season on Tuesday morning, with Taylor Adams and Steele Sidebottom named vice-captains.
The Magpies have gone old school, bucking the AFL trend of large player leadership groups.
Adams and Sidebottom also return as designated leaders.
Of last year’s group, Brent Macaffer has retired and Nathan Brown is now at St Kilda.
“We’re not too concerned with what other clubs are doing – it’s just what we think is going to work best for us,” Pendlebury said.
Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley said their leadership structure was obvious following the players’ votes last week.
“Those three guys just stood out – head and shoulders,” Buckley said.
“We see that as a positive, because there’s actually a really solid group of eight, nine, 10 guys underneath them who were pretty much on the next band.
“We’re absolutely positive that the relationships those three have formed with all the players, but in particular that next tier of influencers, is strong enough to be able to call upon, to drive, to ask for, and to be supported by.”
It is a big year for the Magpies, who have missed the last three finals series.
Buckley must return them to the top eight, otherwise his job will be in jeopardy.
“As a group, we’re always ambitious,” Pendlebury said.
“We’re kidding ourselves as a playing group if we don’t think the pressure is on everyone at this football club.
“Every player in the league wants to play finals – we’re no different.
“The pressure’s on, like it is every year.”
Also on Tuesday, Collingwood announced a five-year contract extension with CGU, taking that deal through to 2022.