SCOTT PENDLEBURY 

The captain. The Magpies' three-time Copeland Trophy winner. And one of the best players in the AFL. Pendlebury is an easy choice as one of Collingwood's most important players. In fact, it could be argued that Pendlebury's importance will increase further after the departures of Dayne Beams and Heritier Lumumba and the gradual decline of Dane Swan. Pendlebury wins the ball at the coalface, applies pressure to the opposition and uses the ball creatively. At 27, the Magpies' skipper is a genuine star and remains a key to the club's finals hopes.

KEY STATS: Since 2010, he has had the second most disposals, fourth most contested possessions, seventh most tackles, eighth most clearances and ranks 11th for score assists. His disposal efficiency of 75 per cent is the seventh highest of the top 50 ball winners in that time.

 

If a team doesn't have someone to kick the footy to, more often than not they're going to struggle. So Cloke – who has been the Magpies' go-to man for the last five years – shapes as critical to Collingwood's future successes. When in top form, Cloke clunks marks and kicks bags of goals. Without Cloke, the Pies' attack is severely limited. Jamie Elliott is a potent forward line option, but at 178cm he is going to struggle to be the Magpies' 'key forward'. If Cloke doesn't fire, Collingwood's avenues to goal are bound to be dried up.  

KEY STATS: Since 2011, Cloke has been the inside 50 target for the Magpies 843 times – the next most used that is still on the list is Dane Swan (146 targets).