Pendlebury isn’t easily replaced,having led the Pies for an astonishing 206 games. He could have retained the captaincy had he wished,but he had expressed to this columna wish that he would do a handover before his playing career ended,affording himself the opportunity to just play without the burden of formal leadership.
Had Pendlebury given up the captaincy a few years ago,Howe would likely have succeeded him. Howe has the right mix of attributes - empathy,a capacity to direct play on the field,respect from all teammates and a willingness to have those uncomfortable conversations.
But Howe is 32 and will not be running around for too many more years. The defender would only hold the baton for a short stint,so there seems little point in handing him the reins.
Adams,a midfielder who is as honest in his communication as in his forthright style of play,is 29 and has had a rough run with injuries lately,having suffered a significant groin injury in the qualifying final against Geelong.
At 26,Moore is both younger than Adams and - despite his history of soft-tissue issues earlier in his career and a recent bone infection - represents less of an injury risk now.
Moore,while the son of a former captain and club great Peter Moore,would represent something of a departure from past Collingwood captains. He isn’t the prototypical player at any club,much less the fanatically followed Pies.