Scott Pendlebury is adamant he is doing the right thing as he prepares to break the AFL appearance record.
The Collingwood star will play in game 433 when West Coast visit the MCG next Saturday.
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Pendlebury has attracted significant criticism over the milestone event and how he plans to celebrate it.
He first caused a stir by sitting out of games against Hawthorn and Sydney Swans, though coach x insisted that was because of fitness reasons.
While waiting for the landmark game details have emerged which reveal Pendlebury plans to wear a gold number on his jumper.
The commemorative guernsey will be available for sale along with special edition boots, win and watches.
And Pendlebury will be granted 100 per cent of the revenue from those sales – a portion of which he plans to donate to My Room, a children’s cancer charity.
The move has prompted backlash from fans, pundits and rival clubs, with the argument Pendlebury and Collingwood have got around the salary cap.
Yet Pendlebury remains unperturbed by the noise surrounding the match, and is confident he is doing the right thing.
“I’ll stay out of that [debate] and just do what I do. I know what I am doing is right,” Pendlebury told The Age.
While criticism has been prevalent, Pendlebury’s peers have been largely supportive and previous appearance record breakers are set to attend the MCG next week.
Most of Collingwood’s 2010 premiership group is also expected at the game, and Pendlebury is keen to show to his gratitude.
“I have made a conscious effort to get around and text everyone privately who has played a big role [in my career],” he added.
One former teammate Mason Cox leapt to his defence this week, slamming those who are aggrieved over Pendlebury deciding to earn some extra money.
He said: “It p***** me off. I’m just infuriated by this because everyone’s out there talking about him making money rather than celebrating what is the greatest football player we’ve probably seen.
“Tall poppy syndrome (is) well and truly alive… and there’s no better case of it right now. You’re talking about, I’ll be honest, the most consistent player that’s ever played the game.
“Stop trying to throw all these things at Pendles. Heaven forbid you make money in a sport that’s heavily underpaying their players.
“It’s the most absurd, ridiculous (thing) that p***** me off. I’m just infuriated by this because everyone’s out there talking about him making money rather than celebrating what is the greatest football player we’ve probably seen and we’re all sitting there talking about him making cash.
“Yes, I would hope that the guy who’s literally represented the league in the best way possible over the longest time gets a bit of cash along the way.
“Like he’s still going to have to probably work a job once he’s done and he’s the best thing you guys have ever produced and you’re p****d off he’s still making money off it.
“It blows my mind and it p***** me off that I’m seeing this in the media. Let the man live.
