Ryan Pendlebury plays for Collingwood’s VFL outfit, where he was named in the league’s Team of the Year in 2015.

The 24-year-old is friends with Wodonga’s Jackson Heagney-Steart.

“We’re just not sure at this stage if Ryan will be able to play and, if so, how many games,” Wodonga coach Dean Harding said.

“We’d love to have Ryan for a number of games, but that will depend on his Collingwood commitments.

“But even if Ryan isn’t able to play much for us this year, we’re looking at this as a potential long-term relationship.”

Collingwood doesn’t play its first VFL match until April 15, so, potentially, that would allow him to play the opening games against Wangaratta Rovers and Albury.

There’s two other weekends where Collingwood doesn’t play, but Wodonga does.

The Bulldogs host Yarrawonga on May 27 and is away to Myrtleford Alpine Saints on June 17.

Pendlebury debuted at VFL level in 2014, with the 191-centimetre defender best suited to playing on a second or third tall forward.

He took his game to the next level the following season though, winning selection in the VFL’s top team, and was particularly effective in rebound 50s.

Even if Pendlebury doesn’t play for Wodonga this season, it only adds to the excitement around the club.

The Bulldogs haven’t played finals for seven years, but this is their best opportunity in that time.

They missed out on percentage last year and have picked up quality in former player and Port Melbourne forward Steve Murray, along with added midfield depth in Shaun Flanigan (Wagga Tigers) and Jarrod Hodgkin (Heidelberg).

Wodonga has posted comfortable wins over Corowa-Rutherglen and Mulwala.

Murray and Hodgkin were extremely impressive against Mulwala.

The Bulldogs will round out their pre-season against Wangaratta at Kiewa on Saturday.