In the extensive history of the V/AFL, only six players have featured in 400 games.

These men have combined for 21 premierships, but curiously, no Brownlow Medals.

Ahead of Scott Pendlebury's coronation as the code's all-time games record holder this Saturday, I've had a crack at ranking the six revered figures for their play, individual and team success, and overall legacy.

2Scott Pendlebury

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 08: Scott Pendlebury of the Magpies looks to handpass during the AFL Opening Round match between St Kilda Saints and Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on March 08, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 08: Scott Pendlebury of the Magpies looks to handpass during the AFL Opening Round match between St Kilda Saints and Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on March 08, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Close, but no cigar for the greatest Magpie of all time.

A starring role in two flags, a Norm Smith medal, six All-Australian blazers, five best and fairests, an AFLCA Champion Player of the Year nod in 2013, and twice recognised as the AFLPA's best captain - "Pendles" has done almost everything the game has to offer.

Known for his instincts in traffic, meticulous preparation and on-field orchestrating, Pendlebury has offered numerous reminders this year of his importance to this Collingwood side, even in season 21.

It is one of modern football's great shames that the storied club did not maximise this man's prime, wandering aimlessly in the wilderness of irrelevance in the middle of the 2010s, when the Sale product was at his very, very best.

Go well on Saturday, great man.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION