SCOTT Pendlebury won the Collingwood Football Club’s best-and-fairest award, the Copeland Trophy, for the fourth time on Friday night.
The Magpies captain, from Sale, joined club legend Bob Rose as a four-time winner. Only Len Thompson (five) and current coach Nathan Buckley (six), have won the award more.
Pendlebury polled 169 votes to win his third-consecutive best-and-fairest, 49 votes clear of Dane Swan. Pendlebury polled in 19 of a possible 22 matches.
It was also announced during the club’s awards night that Pendlebury had committed to stay at the Magpies until at least the end of the 2020 season.
“The direction the club is taking really excites me. We have a solid group of young players who have got a taste of senior footy and we have the right program and people in place to take this group to the next level,” Pendlebury told the club website.
“I’m proud to captain this club and want to be part of what the future holds.”
Meanwhile another local AFL footballer has re-signed with his club.
Maffra’s John Butcher will remain at Port Adelaide for at least another season after agreeing to terms on a new contract.
According to the Adelaide Advertiser, Butcher will take a pay cut to remain on the primary list rather than be downgraded to a rookie.
With Butcher’s goal kicking under constant scrutiny, the Power is looking for mentors such as Essendon champion Matthew Lloyd to help the 24-year-old.
In his sixth season at the Power, Butcher this year played primarily in the club’s SANFL side as a mobile key forward, but also played five AFL games.
According to Power football general manager Chris Davis, Butcher’s on-field workrate, attack on the football and aerial performance shown at AFL level late in the season earned him a contract renewal.
Butcher made an impressive start to his AFL career in 2011, but was plagued by injury during his second season. He has gone on to play 28 AFL games.
