Collingwood’s VFL skipper Kris Pendlebury, older brother of Scott, takes solace in this year’s success stories of Geelong’s James Podsiadly and Fremantle’s Michael Barlow when the 24-year-old thinks about this year’s draft.

While there were several AFL clubs who showed interest in the VFL player last year, Pendlebury was not picked up and returned to the VFL Magpies for a third season, this time as skipper, to put his case forward once again.

“I was asked to do a preseason with Collingwood which was a great experience but unfortunately they didn’t pick me up,” Pendlebury told collingwoodfc.com.au earlier in the week.

“It’s one of those things where you don’t hear much throughout the year but you have to keep putting your best foot forward. If it doesn’t pan out you are forced to soldier on.”

When the final selection (outside of preselected rookies) of the 2009 AFL rookie draft was made with the Western Bulldogs selecting forward Patrick Rose, a player who Pendlebury had lined up against in 2009, the talented utility was left with a difficult decision.

“I could have quite easily pulled the pin on VFL footy last year and gone to the country to chase some cash. But I still have that drive and hunger to get to the next level. I will keep trying and see how I can go this year.”

Having a younger brother, who is vice captain of the biggest club in the country, has its advantages with the senior Pendlebury receiving constant feedback from the AFL star.

“He sends me a text before and after every game. He knows what he is talking about.

“He provides me with a bit of constructive criticism. For example, after the loss last week, he text me that he thought I played really well but I missed a few tackles. He pointed out my tackling technique and how I was reaching and taking shorter steps.”

Pendlebury will duplicate the process he went through last season but will be aiming for a different result.

“I made a tape of all of my highlights last year with the club's help. Lica (Paul Licuria) collected all of the addresses from the clubs’ recruiting managers and I made a DVD and included a cover letter with my stats.

“I also enlisted the help of Scott’s manager (Liam Pickering) who I used as a sounding board to find out a few basic things.”

The AFL hopeful’s CV boasts a formidable list of references with Gavin Brown and brother Scott providing glowing recommendations.

“I have no doubt that there will be a lot of interest in him,” Brown told colliongwoodfc.com.au.

“Because of the Barlow’s and Podsiadly’s of the world, they have been the pioneers and opened up the eyes of AFL clubs.  There will be a lot of people who will have his eyes on him (Pendlebury) because he is such a strong player.  His height, work rate and skill make him an enticing proposition.”

Arguably Kris’ greatest critic, Scott thinks there is tremendous upside in an AFL club electing to draft his older brother.

“He is a very dedicated person and would excel in an AFL environment.” Pendlebury said.

“He still has plenty of upside in his game.  His versatility and willingness to do whatever it takes makes him easy to coach.”

Kris’ belief has remained steadfast and has only intensified as the season has worn on.

”I feel more confident heading into this year’s draft after watching the success of some mature-age rookies.

“I played against Barlow and Podsiadly and to see them doing really well gives you extra motivation this year.

“A lot of the new clubs are taking 17-year-olds so they need a few mature bodies to compliment their list.”

As all players do at the start of every year, Pendlebury jotted down several goals he wanted to accomplish over the course of the season. Selected to represent Victoria in the VFL state representative game earlier this year, Pendlebury is on track to complete the list.

“It was a great honour to represent Victoria. It was a goal I put down at the start of the year that I wanted to tick off.

“Hopefully I can tick the big one off at the end of the year.”