Tim Watson believes Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury is underappreciated among elite midfielders, following another vintage performance against the Blues on Thursday night.
The 33-year-old notched 30 disposals, 11 score involvements, six inside 50s and five marks, orchestrating the Pies’ more thoughtful ball movement as they built an early lead.
“When you set such a high standard about the way you play, and consistently have played at that high standard over a long period of time, people dismiss you when they’re talking about the best midfielders in the game,” Watson told SEN Breakfast.
“He is still one of the best midfielders in the game.
“In fact, he’s probably the best controlling midfielder in the game, still.”
Pendlebury last year surpassed Magpies premiership captain Tony Shaw to become the club's games record holder, and Watson believes he’s shown no signs of slowing.
“His ball movement, his decision-making, he’s the architect of what they do when they go forward,” he continued.
“He is an unbelievable player still, Scott Pendlebury.”
Having evened the ledger after two rounds, Pendlebury and the Pies will travel to Queensland to face the Lions next Thursday night.