Collingwood veteran Scott Pendlebury has revealed plans to play at the top level for "as long as I can" before setting his sights on a coaching role in the AFL.
Pendlebury has linked with up Essendon great Matthew Lloyd through Melbourne private school Haileybury College's coaching program this year, with 300-game former Melbourne captain Nathan Jones also offering his services.
Adding to Lloyd's hall of fame pedigree of over 900 goals at AFL level, Pendlebury himself brings over 350 games of experience as one of this century's greater players.
His role at the Keyborough-based private school is an early step toward coaching in the AFL in the near future, with Pendlebury learning the ropes whilst balancing his duties with the Magpies.
"I am still in the honeymoon period with Lloydy. We're going well," Pendlebury toldย 3AW.ย
"I've really enjoyed my time so far working with Lloydy. There's a really good program down there at Haileybury.
"It's really refreshing for me as a player, going back and working with the youth and just how invested they are in their football.
"It's great for me as an older guy to see how keen these 16, 17, 18-year-olds are."
Collingwood's record games holder, Pendlebury is in his 18th season at Olympic Park and is showing no signs of slowing down, averaging 24 possessions and 5.2 tackles per game so far this year.
Pendlebury, who is off-contract in 2023, revealed he'll continue play at the top level for as long as possible before moving into the coaching scene.
"It's the start of my journey," the former Collingwood captain said.
"I'm very fortunate to Matty and the school for letting me jump in and start my journey now.
"(Being an AFL senior coach) is the ambition. Small steps, keep playing for as long as I can and then jump in one day."
Tuesday's Anzac Day match marks Pendlebury's 364th game for Collingwood.
