SCOTT Pendlebury's matchwinning performance against Hawthorn on Saturday night was simply "unbelievable", high-flying teammate Jeremy Howe says.

The Magpies skipper had 36 disposals, nine tackles, seven clearances and kicked the sealer to inspire the Collingwood comeback from 43 points down early in the second quarter.

Howe told AFL.com.au that although it was the sort of performance people had come to expect from Pendlebury, it still deserved high praise.

"He's so influential. He is such an amazing leader," Howe said.

"He is a superstar, and that is what we have come to expect from him."

Pendlebury's inspiring performance came less than a week after he and his wife, Alex, had a baby boy, Jax, on Monday night.

Howe said the 29-year-old led the way from start to finish, rallying his team when the scoreboard was going against the Magpies.

"He was really trying to drive us in the first quarter and we didn't really respond, but he just led from the front today," Howe said.

Pendlebury had 11 disposals in the second quarter to steady the ship before his teammates began to join in and support him after half-time.

Buckley revealed Pendlebury's effort came despite him being 80-85 per cent fit after copping an early knock.

"He was critical," Buckley said.

"He just willed himself to the contests and continued to work and drive his teammates, and that is what you want from leaders."

Howe said the team's win came on the back of increased pressure around the ball after quarter-time.

He said the Magpies resolved to restrict Hawthorn to three goals after half-time and thought they could kick 10 to win.

They managed to keep the Hawks to one goal after the main break and kick nine.

It was the first time the Magpies had kept Hawthorn under 100 points during Buckley's time and was consistent with their strong defensive efforts in 2017.

"It was a great team defensive effort to be able to keep them to one goal," Howe said.