Collingwood star Scott Pendlebury is poised to pull on the black and white stripes for a 21st season as the Magpies open talks of a fresh deal.
Pendlebury is arguably the greatest player to don the Magpies guernsey, playing a club-record 414 games to date, featuring in two premierships in 2010 and 2023, as well as captaining the team from 2014 to 2022.
The 37-year-old is yet to take a major backward step despite his age, playing in 11 of Collingwood's 13 matches so far this season, intentionally rested for the two absences to ensure the midfielder is primed physically for the Magpies' predicted deep run into September.
Pendlebury has averaged 23.6 disposals per game, his most per game since 2020, and 6.4 score involvements per game, his most on average since 2019, illustrating the Pies legend's continual contribution to the current ladder leaders.
Hence, it should be unsurprising that Collingwood is willing to provide another year of opportunity to Pendlebury, reportedly beginning contract extension talks for next season, per AFL.com.au.
The deal would be a one-year extension that takes Pendlebury into a 21st season of football at the highest level, a feat only achieved by five players prior - Brent Harvey, Michael Tuck, Shaun Burgoyne, and Robert Harvey all played 21 seasons, while Dustin Fletcher remarkably played 23.
Playing in 2026 would see Pendlebury continue as the oldest player in the game, set to play at 38 years of age following his January birthday.
Speaking on SEN on Tuesday, Pendlebury said the choice to play on for Collingwood was, with no pun intended, "black and white".
"It is really important to me to be a one-club player," Pendlebury said.
"I've done 19 years there, I couldn't imagine pulling on some other colours.
"It's black and white for me."
A re-signing of Pendlebury will follow the relieving news for Magpies fans of Brayden Maynard's four-year deal, who turned down heavy interest from North Melbourne.
Several more veterans remain without deals beyond 2025, though. While talks with Pendlebury are underway, Collingwood is yet to determine the futures of Steele Sidebottom, Jamie Elliott, Jeremy Howe, Brody Mihocek, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Tom Mitchell, and Mason Cox.