Speaking after the Magpies’ 40-point win over the Brisbane Lions, Pendlebury says the side is looking to September success.
“The last ten weeks have been fantastic for us, confidence-wise. All the boys are playing well and if you didn’t believe it after our last ten weeks, we are really in it and we want to challenge for the premiership,” Pendlebury said.
> Watch Mick Malthouse address the media after the win
But for now, the Magpies are just trying to hold on to that top four spot. Next week they come up against Adelaide, which is also a candidate for the double-chance.
“I suppose if we can push up any higher, we want to. We’ve got to stay focussed. Adelaide pushed Geelong today and they are going to be hard to beat at home next week so we’ve got to be on our game," he said.
Pendlebury had 36 touches in his side’s big win, including 10 in the game-breaking third quarter.
> Watch the team sing the song in the rooms after the win
The Magpies booted five goals to none in the third term and Pendlebury says that, while he is happy with the performance, the team has to put four quarters together to match the best sides.
“It’s not something you want to live and die by, one strong quarter. Our systems work and we’ve got belief in them,” he said.
“Against St Kilda and Geelong if we had have started like we did tonight the game would have been over at half time. It was something we need to address during the week but it was good we were able to pull ourselves out of that and still get a win.
“In the first half altogether we were a bit reactive and we spoke at half time about having a bit more composure and taking them on. All the boys responded and we had a great second half.”
> Watch Harry O'Brien speak to CTV in the MCG rooms after the round 18 win over the Brisbane Lions
Pendlebury says the early loss of Simon Prestigiacomo affected the Magpies’ plans but his return late in the game in the uncustomary role of a forward helped boost the side.
“He and Browny have played on each other more than anyone else. It threw a spanner into the works but the boys responded and we dug deep and got a win.”
“He’s a ripper bloke and all the supporters love him. It was good he could get down forward and we hope he kicks the goal next time.”
