Champion Data released a progressive Brownlow tally as projected by its ranking system this week, which had the in-form 23-year-old just one vote behind red-hot favourite Chris Judd.
But the star Magpie isn't reading too much into predictions, particularly given last year's result when Judd was a surprise winner ahead of Pendlebury's teammate Dane Swan.
Swan polled 24 votes to finish third behind Judd (30) and Gary Ablett (26) with Pendlebury (21) rounding out the top four.
"I think 'Swanny' was the shortest priced favourite ever, and I stole too many votes from him last year, and so did 'Daisy' [Dale Thomas]," Pendlebury said on Wednesday.
"I think I've improved from last year, but whether that means anything in terms of the Brownlow I'm not too sure.
"But my sole focus is on going back-to-back, so we'll give up the Brownlow if they give up the premiership."
Pendlebury has played every game this season, which is sure to aid his chances when Brownlow votes are counted.
But with top teams Collingwood and Geelong both conscious of keeping players fresh in the lead-up to the finals, a rest could be a possibility in the next month.
It's a proposition Pendlebury said he would reluctantly agree to.
"If I'm ready to play I'll put my hand up, but the fitness staff have got the final call," he said.
"I wouldn't happily take a breather, but if they thought it was the best thing for us I would."
