Collingwood’s Scott Pendlebury Faces Tough Decision Over Record-Equalling Game
Scott Pendlebury is on the verge of making history, but his next appearance might be delayed. The 38-year-old Magpie is set to potentially miss a game in the coming week as Collingwood coach Craig McRae considers resting the veteran due to a tight turnaround before their match against Hawthorn. Pendlebury’s performance in the Anzac Day clash against Essendon was nothing short of remarkable, with the midfielder setting a new personal best for possessions in a single game.
A Record Within Reach
Pendlebury’s achievements this season have been extraordinary. In his 431st game, he recorded an impressive 43 disposals, surpassing his previous record of 39 set in 2013. This feat has placed him just one game away from equalling North Melbourne legend Brent Harvey’s all-time record of 432 games.
McRae hinted at the possibility of resting Pendlebury, stating that the decision would be made early in the week after assessing how the player recovers. “I won’t make that [decision] now, but I probably think you’re unlikely next week,” McRae said during the post-game press conference. The coach emphasized the importance of balancing Pendlebury’s physical condition with the team’s upcoming schedule.
A Historic Performance
Pendlebury’s performance in the Anzac Day match was not only about numbers but also about the significance of the moment. He became the first player to win four Anzac Day Medals and celebrated a milestone by scoring a free kick and goal late in the final term. The crowd’s chant of his name echoed through the MCG, highlighting the respect and admiration he commands.
The moment was particularly special as it involved Archie Roberts, a young Essendon midfielder who Pendlebury had coached at Haileybury College. “We won a flag together,” Pendlebury said with a grin. “So when I saw that he was on me, I thought, ‘I’ll take him deep’.” The exchange sparked a conversation among fans, with many referencing the past match-up on social media.
A Legacy That Transcends Time
Pendlebury’s ability to perform at such a high level at 38 years old has left his teammates in awe. Angus Anderson, who played in his third game and first Anzac Day match, expressed his amazement at the veteran’s longevity. “You look at him, and he’s just in a whole different time space. He has so much time with the ball,” Anderson said. The young player described the experience of playing alongside Pendlebury as “amazing.”
Anderson also mentioned the emotional impact of the crowd chanting “Pendles, Pendles, Pendles.” “For him to do that at his age is second to none. No one else will probably ever do it,” he added.
Looking Ahead
If Pendlebury is rested next week, he will have the opportunity to play his 432nd game against Geelong in round nine. The match will be a home game for the Cats, and Pendlebury has expressed a preference for breaking the record in front of Collingwood fans. However, he did not rule out the possibility of playing against Hawthorn if he recovers well.
“I think as ‘Fly’ [McRae] said, we’ll see how we pull up,” Pendlebury said. “It’s a quick turnaround. So, yeah, if I can recover well and pull up well, we’ll have that conversation. But, we’ve got a bigger picture in mind, and we’ll stick to that.”
A Player Who Keeps Defying Expectations
Despite his age, Pendlebury remains as passionate as ever about the game. He admitted to being tired after the Anzac Day match but expressed his love for the process of preparing for and playing a match. “I wouldn’t mind going home and jumping in the ice bath and putting the feet up and watching the footy, and getting to sleep by about nine o’clock would be nice,” he said.
His performance on the day was likened to playing on grand final day, with 19 score involvements – the most of any player in the competition this year. “I was saying to Jordy [De Goey] late, even when I was trying to get away from the ball, it still had a way of finding me,” Pendlebury said. “It was just one of those days for me where it sort of just kept bouncing my way… so, yeah, at 38, you take those days.”
