Having played basketball until three years ago, he’s well adapted to dealing with the different shape, however the 20-year-old Magpie has another ace up his sleeve. He’s been sneaking in a few kicking sessions throughout the season with Irish teammate recruit Martin Clarke, meaning he's had more practice than most.
“We’ve had a few kicks around the club during the year with the round ball,” Pendlebury admits.
“Marty likes to do a few tricks with it and I’m always intrigued to see how he can do it. He’d love to be playing in the series. I think he’s doing some media in Ireland around that time so hopefully he won’t put me down too much,” he laughed.
Pendlebury was living at the AIS academy before he decided to move home and pursue an AFL career. Having played at under-18 and under-20 level for Australia, the International Rules series is not the first time he’s had the opportunity to represent his country. And ironically his basketball training has been a big help in helping him to prepare for his upcoming international duty in a different code.
“Handling the ball is no problem … I can definitely read the bounce of the ball, but most of the guys are picking it up pretty well. Kicking it is still a bit tricky but we’ll figure that out.”
Ten of the International Rules squad’s Melbourne based players met at Arden St. on Thursday morning for their first training session and, over all, the young midfielder was happy with how things went.
“It was a pretty good session. The skills were pretty good and the voice will get there so it will all happen before next Friday.”
And it’s the “voice” of the group that Pendlebury says will be crucial to develop. With many of the players unfamiliar to each other the squad is still learning each other’s nick names.
“You don’t know them. I suppose you play against them and you hear about them. It’s good to meet guys from other clubs. The closer we can get as a group before Friday, the better we’ll be.”
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The 2008 Toyota International Rules Series: Australia v Ireland
First Test – Subiaco Oval, Perth, Friday October 24
Second Test – MCG, Melbourne, Friday October 31
Tickets on sale now at ticketmaster.com.au, by calling 1300 136 122 or at a Ticketmaster outlet.
For full coverage of the 2008 series, click here.
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