The 2026 AFL season isn’t just about the hunt for the premiership; it’s about a date with destiny for Collingwood legend Scott Pendlebury. 

Pendlebury is arguably the greatest Pie in 134 years of Collingwood footy, on the verge of becoming the man to play the most AFL games of all time.

In the modern era, Pendles has to be on the list among the greatest Australian athletes ever - the longevity, dedication and heart is second to none.

The sheer determination of the Pies’ half-back can easily be mentioned in the same breath as the Thorpedos, Volkanovskis and Ash Barties of this world. 

Scott’s silkiness through traffic and on-ball precision remains elite, even after a ridiculous 432 first class matches. While he will likely go down as the most durable player in the game’s history, he’s in esteemed company at the tippity top of the most Aussie Rules games played.

Find club legends, record breakers, movers, shakers and the AFL/VFL’s very best on this list of the top 10 players who told father time to get stuffed. 

Good on you Pendles, your record for most the most AFL games played will be standing for a long time. 

Most AFL Games Played - Top 10

10. Adam Goodes (Sydney Swans) - 372 Games

A dual Brownlow Medallist and two-time premiership winner, Goodes was a generational athlete who could score from virtually anywhere on the ground.

One of the most memorable players of the 00’s and 2010’s, his 17-season career with the Swans saw him consolidate Sydney as an AFL heartland. 

By the end of his career, Goodes was the games record holder for the club and had inspired multiple generations of kids to play footy.

In 372 games, Goodesy left an indelible mark on the AFL both on and off the field.

9. Craig Bradley (Carlton) - 375 Games

A first-class player across AFL/VFL and cricket, Bradley was synonymous with Carlton’s success in the 80s and 90s.

With elite fitness, goal-kicking and disposal efficiency, he was a dual premiership player and a four-time All-Australian who seemed to never lose his pace, even in his final season.

Bradley’s career is etched in the memories of the Carlton Blues faithful, who still keep showing up to support this famous club, even after a 31-year premiership drought. 

8. Simon Madden (Essendon) - 378 Games

Undoubtedly one of the greatest Essendon Bombers of all time and even further one of the best ruckmen ever to play the game.

A 1.98m goal kicking rucky, Madden was a dual premiership player and a Norm Smith Medalist. 

His ability to drift forward and kick goals, 575 in total, made him feared across the league.

 He remains the golden standard for longevity among the league's big men.

7. Robert Harvey (St Kilda) - 383 Games

The engine room of Moorabbin, Banga’s work rate was legendary. 

An eight-time All Australian and back-to-back Brownlow Medallist in 1997/98, Harvey set the standard now for how a professional midfielder approaches footy.

While a premiership eluded him, his 21 seasons his elite running and passing game made him St Kilda royalty, legend has it, he’s never paid for a drink at the Espy.

6. Dustin Fletcher (Essendon) - 400 Games

The only specialist defender in the 400-club, Fletcher’s Inspector Gadget arms frustrated forwards for over two decades. 

Fletcher debuted as a schoolboy in Essendon’s 1993 premiership year, he remained the last line of defence until 2015. 

He’d do battle with the likes of Wayne Carey through the 90s and later put on defensive clinics against the likes of Buddy Franklin.

Famous for his 60m clearing torpedo punts, a premier defender that crossed generations,  dedicating half his life to the Bombers across a 23 year career. 

5. Kevin Bartlett (Richmond) – 403 Games

‘Hungry’ was the pioneer of the 400-club, a man whose nose for goal was as sharp as his legendary comb-over (which may have thinned a tad over 400+ games). 

A five-time premiership Tiger and the 1980 Norm Smith Medallist, Bartlett’s highlight reel is a masterclass in the crumb-and-snap. 

Whether he was ducking under a tackle or burning off a defender, he was the killer instinct of Tigerland for 19 seasons.

By the time he hung up the boots in 1983, he’d slotted 778 goals and literally cemented himself, Han Solo style, as a legend of the MCG.

4. Shaun Burgoyne (Port Adelaide & Hawthorn) - 407 Games

Born and raised in the NT, Burgoyne was silk by name, silk by nature and a pleasure to watch during his 407 game career.

Burgoyne was the ultimate utility, winning a flag with Port Adelaide before becoming a vital cog in Hawthorn’s unforgettable three-peat.

His composure under pressure made him one of the most respected figures in the modern era across his 20-year career.

Not many players can say they’ve won four flags across two clubs. Burgoyne retired in 2021, an out and out winner with a heart of gold. 

4. Kevin Bartlett (Richmond) – 403 Games

‘Hungry’ was the pioneer of the 400-club, a man whose nose for goal was as sharp as his legendary comb-over (which may have thinned a tad over 400+ games). 

A five-time premiership Tiger and the 1980 Norm Smith Medallist, Bartlett’s highlight reel is a masterclass in the crumb-and-snap. 

Whether he was ducking under a tackle or burning off a defender, he was the killer instinct of Tigerland for 19 seasons.

By the time he hung up the boots in 1983, he’d slotted 778 goals and literally cemented himself, Han Solo style, as a legend of the MCG.

3. Michael Tuck (Hawthorn) – 426 Games

Before anyone else even dreamed of the mid-400s, there was Tucky, the lean, mean, premiership-winning machine. 

Finishing his career with an eyewatering 70% win record and captaining the Hawks through their golden ‘Family Club’ era saw him walk away with a record seven premiership medals.

Tuck played in a staggering 11 Grand Finals, a feat that seems almost impossible in the modern era of equalisation.

His contribution echoes through the Hawks club, even today as they look to recapture the spirit that made them a force throughout history. 

2. Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood) – 432 Games and Counting

The year was 2006, John Howard was Prime Minister, Twitter was first launched in San Francisco and Wii Tennis was captivating the world.

And an 18 year old named Scott Pendlebury debuted for the Collingwood Magpies at the MCG. 

It’s been a wild 20 years for Footy Fans, from the bizarre Grand Final replay, to the even stranger Meatloaf Grand Final performance and the Pies’ 2023 Grand Final triumph over the Lions.

Pendles has been a constant through it all, a Norm Smith medal, six All Australian blazers and soon to have the record of the most first-class games of all.

As of 2026, Pendlebury holds the record for most career disposals, handballs and tackles. 

The GOAT of the Collingwood Magpies, Cheers to you Scott, we’ve enjoyed every minute watching you do your thing. 

1. Brent Harvey (North Melbourne) – 432 Games

The man they called Boomer defied Father Time for over two decades, proving that if you’re quick enough, they can’t catch you, no matter how old you are.

A 1999 premiership hero and a four-time Syd Barker Medallist, Harvey’s ability to burn off players half his age at Arden Street was hysterical to watch. 

Every week it would be, ‘does the old man still have it?’

The answer was invariably always a resounding yes.

Boomer has held the all-time games record for a decade, and while his exit from the game was a bit of a heartbreaker for North Melbourne fans, his legacy in the AFL will be alive in 100 years.