Geelong coach Chris Scott believes the ability of AFL players to organise their teammates in-game might be a touch overrated.
Controversial? Perhaps, Scott admits, especially ahead of renowned on-field general Scott Pendlebury's record-equalling 432nd appearance.
But Scott hastens to add that Collingwood's living legend is an exception to the rule.
"I rate and respect him so highly for a number of reasons," Scott said ahead of the Cats-Magpies blockbuster at the MCG on Saturday night.
"Right up towards the top of that list would be the way he's been able to help others within the team.
"He's just been such a good organiser of that team, and I tend to think those things can be a bit overrated.
"It's a controversial statement maybe, but he's one of those rare examples where you can see how he makes his teammates better, and he obviously has a big impact himself."
Scott believes a decision on Pendlebury's next career move, whenever the 38-year-old hangs up his boots, will be a test for the AFL and rules around clubs' football department spending.
"If he's lost to coaching, something horrible has gone wrong," Scott said.
"It's quite rare that you see players on the field and think, 'He's an on-field coach.'
"He's just a natural, he understands the game, and his smarts as much as his physical attributes have got him to this stage."
Pendlebury returns for Collingwood after a week out managed and will draw level with retired North Melbourne great Brent Harvey's for the AFL games record.
Jeremy Howe and Beau McCreery are also back for the Magpies (4-3-1), who drew with Hawthorn last time out following wins over Carlton and Essendon.
Geelong (5-4) have rested young ruckman Mitch Edwards, recalling Rhys Stanley in his place, and will celebrate a milestone of their own when Tom Stewart plays his 200th game.
Drafted late as a 23-year-old, Stewart has gone on to become one of the best defenders of the modern era, and is a key reason the Cats have played finals in every season bar one since his arrival at Kardinia Park.
"I don't feel any hesitation in saying that, in my opinion, he's been the best player in his position that I can remember," Scott said.
"I don't think that's a huge statement.
"In fact, it might be pretty obvious ... I can't imagine anyone doing it any better."
While the wider focus in the build-up is on Pendlebury, and to a lesser extent Stewart, the result could hinge on Geelong stopper Oisin Mullin's ability to blunt Collingwood superstar Nick Daicos.
"I don't normally talk about these things, but it's just so obvious it's not funny," Scott said.
"We've got a guy that we tend to give really big roles, and this is probably the most difficult role in the competition.
"So it will be a really interesting battle."
