Patrick Lipinksi Defends Scott Pendlebury’s Gold No.10 Tribute
Collingwood midfielder Patrick Lipinksi has responded to criticism surrounding the decision for Scott Pendlebury to wear a gold No.10 on his playing jumper during his milestone 433rd AFL game. The Magpies have received league approval for this unique design, which will be worn in recognition of Pendlebury’s achievement.
This special tribute is set to take place this month, marking a significant moment in the club’s history. However, not everyone is in favor of the move. Former Collingwood captain Tony Shaw has expressed discomfort with the idea of wearing a different colored number from the rest of his team. Despite this, Lipinksi, who has played alongside Pendlebury for five seasons, supports the decision.
“I like it,” Lipinski told reporters on Monday. “I’ve seen a few people giving it a bit of hate, but I think Pendles can do whatever he wants and he’s earned the right to be celebrated. I think we should just all be getting around that because it’s going to be amazing when he breaks the record.”
Pendlebury, who was rested against Hawthorn last week, is set to equal retired North Melbourne champion Brent Harvey’s record of 432 games when he returns against Geelong on Saturday night. The 38-year-old could be rested again when Collingwood travel to take on Sydney before breaking the record against West Coast at the MCG in round 11.
A crowd in excess of 90,000 could be on hand, as was the case for Richmond legend Dustin Martin’s 300th AFL game in 2024.
Lipinksi dismissed suggestions that the management of Pendlebury’s milestone had caused frustration within the playing group. He explained that the club had planned for experienced players’ schedules throughout the season since January-February.
“So whatever the plan is, I’m sure it’s going to be fine. We’ve got such a deep list and I still think we played really well without Pendles (against Hawthorn). Obviously he’s a huge addition to our team, but I think we’ve all just got to be prepared for whatever the plan is. If he’s playing, it’s obviously a super bonus, but we’ll see.”
Lipinksi has been encouraged by eighth-placed Collingwood’s improved form in recent weeks, with wins over Carlton and Essendon followed by a draw against high-flying Hawthorn.
“We’re starting to really move in the right direction,” Lipinksi said. “Early in the year we had some troubles with scoring but it seems like we’re starting to play better on offence and score well. Our defence is always amazing, so we know that’s a staple for us, but I think we’ve seen some great improvement.”
Lipinksi was speaking at the launch of FightMND’s Big Freeze 12 on Monday, with the annual fundraising event set to take place when Collingwood play Melbourne in their King’s Birthday clash.
