There's plenty of things Collingwood champion Scott Pendlebury has perfected in his career but becoming a "master of the smoke bomb" could arguably be his most significant.
Flags, All-Australians, best and fairests and the soon-to-be V/AFL games record don't pale in comparison to sneaking away during a night out to get some well-needed shut eye.
For clarity, 'smoke bombing' refers to leaving a social event or party without saying goodbye.
"He didn't even say goodbye... it became a running joke 'oh where's Pendles?' He's gone. He'd just send a message saying 'see you later fellas. I'm in an Uber. Thanks for a great night'," an insider told Zero Hanger.
Obviously his on-field achievements and personal desire would stand mountains above his crafty ability to disappear like the night sky, but should we be shocked given his incredible composure and grace to move through traffic on a football field? Largely untouched?
His seemingly touch-less ability, which has been "his calling card", not only translates to when he has the football, but in the bars and clubs as well.
Of course, this is just a minor insight into the discipline and dedication that is Pendlebury.
SEE MORE: Ranking the 10 greatest games of Scott Pendlebury's career
A close source to the Pies superstar revealed to Zero Hanger some of the exploits of the 38-year-old during his journey to become the most capped player in the game.
They all revolved around his discipline and dedication to his craft, his family and his friends. To become the best person and player he could possibly be.
He would know when to pull up stumps. He was in tune with what he needed, whilst also satisfying those close to him by being present and available amid juggling the rigours of being a professional athlete.
MORE: Will Scott Pendlebury play in 2027? He responds
Pendlebury knew what it took to be great. Everything counted. His exercise regime. His recovery. His sleep. His diet.
History immortalised in gold 🌟
Scott Pendlebury will wear a gold number 10 as he breaks the all-time V/AFL games record! pic.twitter.com/Ez71mOO8VO
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) May 17, 2026
He's never had a chicken parmigiana during his playing days according to a close mate. The crumbed chicken breast topped with sauce, ham and cheese, paired with a garden salad - or coleslaw at some establishments - and battered chips never swayed the smooth-moving Pie. He was never tempted. A testament to his commitment.
Pendlebury wouldn't indulge in chocolate or lollies, and his annual birthday carrot cake is understood to be his "treat" while a bowl of pineapple and watermelon ticks off the sweet tooth impulses.
"I've never seen him, in 20 years, eat a chicken parma. He will always get a steak and potatoes and steamed veggies," said the source.
It was the sense of ruthlessness that turned Pendlebury into the powerhouse athlete he is, maximising every moment and decision to search for improvement.
But there was a turning point that stuck fat in his mind, where the hero of this story made the decision to give himself the best opportunity to succeed.
During a boat trip to the Gippsland Lakes in 2009, Pendlebury was on the back-end of his new-found success as one of the most exciting talents in the AFL.
Enjoying his time with close friends, who donned Pendles as the "most mature and level headed" despite being three years younger, was later scarred by an early-morning incident.
Pendlebury was sent to Bairnsdale hospital after he was king hit at 1.30am. His head hit the pavement and left him unconscious.
"That's when he really grew up and matured. He realised he can't be putting himself in those situations. And that's when we stopped (the trips). He would go to venues and places where he felt comfortable."
He locked in, as the Gen Zs would say. A mindset shift from a very handy player to Collingwood's prime mover in a stacked side.
A run of five consecutive All-Australian blazers, a 2010 premiership accompanied by the Norm Smith Medal as well as five Copeland trophies between 2011 and 2016.
A "model of absolute consistency".
Miraculously, that devotion and adherence to the little things has rarely wavered, and if anything, has improved throughout his 21 seasons in the AFL.
This takes the story to only weeks after the 2023 premiership triumph.
Pendlebury welcomed a bunch of his close mates over a month after that fateful day against Brisbane to dissect the game, providing in-depth analysis and tidbits.
Suddenly a knock on the door startled the group, who looked around to see if anyone was missing, and someone was late.
The door swung open to a delivery man and his truck which contained an ice bath that has become synonymous with Pendlebury's well-known recovery routine.
The game was put on pause as Pendlebury, and along with his close friends, hauled the ice bath to the back of the house.
He couldn't help himself. He is always looking to improve. Like finding a way to perform a late night "smoke bomb" to avoid social excesses.
That's what a champion does.
