Collingwood might be heading into Friday night’s match against the Brisbane Lions as overwhelming favourites, but Magpies midfielder Scott Pendlebury says there will be no complacency from his side come game-time.
Particularly considering the Lions seem to lift a cog when facing the AFL powerhouse.
Pendlebury vividly remembers being hunted by the Lions at the Gabba back in Round 10 of 2010.
Collingwood were placed second on the ladder at the time, while the Lions were coming off five consecutive losses.
But the home side triumphed by eight points in a memorable clash.
"It was a real arm-wrestle which is what you come to expect from Brisbane in Brisbane," Pendlebury told The Courier Mail on Friday.
"We kept them at an arm's length for most of the night but in the last quarter their pressure was relentless.
"(Brendan Fevola) kicked a few magical goals and before we knew it, we were down and couldn't get back in front.
"It taught us a lesson that it's always a big challenge to knock them off at home."
Pendlebury could very well find himself lining up on Lions superstar Simon Black, and had nothing but praise for the man who will equal Marcus Ashcroft’s Brisbane games record of 318 games on Friday night.
"Blacky has always been one of my favourite players to watch. He is so smart, so clever, still so good," Pendlebury said.
"He is still performing at the same level that he was 10 years ago.
"He is still one of the best midfielders in the AFL in terms of clearances and stoppages. He can hurt you so quickly.
“I've tried to take parts of his game and add them to mine."
Beware wounded Lions
Pies midfielder Scott Pendlebury expects a tough contest at the Gabba