Collingwood coach Craig McRae has always been left in awe of Scott Pendlebury's ability to have an extra gear to keep up with, and even go above, the speed of the AFL.
Ahead of Pendlebury's 400th appearance in the black and white stripes, the Magpies' coach spoke on the Collingwood games record holder's unparalleled professionalism and dissembling nature on the field.
Known for his pose and precision under immense pressure, Pendlebury's everlasting ability to create time and space at the coalface is an attribute that has been unmatched for two decades says McRae.
"19 years of doing this at the highest level is remarkable," McRae said on Tuesday.
"It'd be hard to find others that would rival [his professionalism]. Professionalism is one thing, but just being able to manage his body and play at the highest level with such intensity for so long is incredible.
"He has the ability to stop time out there, doesn't he? Sort of a 'you get over that way, and I'll go that way,' and they all fall for it. They still do.
"Maybe it's his basketball background, not sure, but his decision-making and the ability to stop time has been such an asset for him, and hence why the game hasn't caught up to him speed-wise, he's always found time and space.
"The speed of the game keeps getting faster but has the ability to slow the game down and orchestrate the game how he wants it to be played.
"Anyone that plays 400 games has done something remarkably well. Their longevity is a testament to that and I'm not surprised of what I see."
McRae first encountered Pendlebury after Collingwood's 2010 premiership season, when the now-Magpies premiership coach joined the club as a development lead under Mick Malthouse.
Fresh off a career-best season that ended with a Norm Smith Medal around his neck, Pendlebury impressed the three-time premiership Lions champion quickly.
Pendlebury was the "first into the club and last to leave" Olympic Park most days, leaving McRae marvelling at the maturity of the midfielder, who would go on to win his first of five Copelan Trophies by the cessation of their first season together.
"He was this young guy that just seemed like he would do everything in his power to be the best player he could be on and off the field," McRae.
"I just saw this incredible fit guy that would be first into the club and last to leave, just exploring new ways to improve himself.
"As head of development, at the time and he was heading towards 80-odd games or something, the way he could inspire others... young Jamie Elliott, young Darcy Moore (I'd say) go watch Pendles play. Ask him what he's done.
"(They'd say) 'I've rolled my ankle'... well go ask Pendles how you fix it, he hasn't missed a game. Those things have certainly been able to inspire others or be a great role model for others."
Pendlebury will become the sixth player in V/AFL history to reach 400 games, joining Brent Harvey, Michael Tuck, Shaun Burgoyne, Kevin Bartlett and Dustin Fletcher in reaching the feat.
