Collingwood is delighted to announce that young star Scott Pendlebury has signed a new three-year contract, tying him to the club until the end of the 2010 season.

After the rousing victory at the Gabba on Saturday night, the club’s first over the Lions in Brisbane in 12 years, the announcement of Pendlebury’s contract signing is another boost for the Magpies in what has been an extremely promising start to the season.

Following nine games in his debut season last year, the 19-year-old from Sale has emerged as one of the brightest young stars in the competition in 2007.

Taken from the Gippsland Power with the fifth overall selection in the 2005 AFL Draft, Pendlebury has appeared in all nine matches in 2007, and averaged nearly 20 possessions per outing and booted 11 goals as a midfielder/half forward.

Immediately following the anouncement of his new contract he spoke to CTV about securing his future and focusing on playing more good football.

“It’s all going along nicely at the moment and it’s obviously pretty exciting to get a contract locked away,” Pendlebury said at the Lexus Centre.

“The contract’s done, so I don’t have to worry about that now for a couple of years, so I can really focus on myself and my own performance, and then ultimately lead to team performance and success.”

Pendlebury’s outstanding start to the season was acknowledged when he was the round four AFL Rising Star nominee after a 20-possession, two-goal performance against Port Adelaide at the MCG. He then produced arguably his best game for the club when he gathered 24 touches in the big win over arch-rival Carlton in round seven.

“It’s been a good start to the year. I suppose everyone wants to be getting a kick and at the current stage I am, and let’s hope I can continue for however long’s left in the season.

“I’ve only played nine games so far this year and I want to be solid for the next half of the season, if not pick it up another level.

“I’m just focusing on my role every week and the team, and then trying to get myself involved if I haven’t had a touch or I try and get involved through a tackle or a block, and then usually the ball finds its way to you if you’re working hard and working for other people.”