It is impossible to overlook the most significant AFL milestone this weekend. Record-breaking and widely discussed for weeks, both positively and negatively, it belongs to Collingwood champion Scott Pendlebury. He will break the all-time AFL/VFL games record when he takes the field for his 433rd match on Saturday against West Coast at a packed MCG.
Controversy Surrounding the Milestone
The milestone match has been embroiled in controversy. Pendlebury was rested last week in a narrow loss to Sydney to ensure his record-breaking game occurs at his home ground in front of over 80,000 fans. When teams were announced on Thursday night, Pendlebury was listed as an 'IN', but eagle-eyed fans noticed he was absent from the 'milestones' section on the official AFL app. Collingwood's Dan Houston was noted for his 200th game, and emerging star Harley Reid for his 50th, but Pendlebury's record was overlooked.
One bemused fan posted on social media, "Happy 200th Dan Houston ... the only milestone Pie player on the AFL app." The 'Yank On the Footy Podcast' account added, "I think the AFL's website might have missed something here. Congratulations to Dan Houston and Harley Reid on their milestones .... These are the only milestones in this game? Really?" The milestone section is automated, suggesting a technical glitch, but critics argue Telstra, which holds the AFL's digital rights, should have foreseen this.
Club's Management Under Scrutiny
This is just one small blip in a problematic build-up to the 38-year-old's special game. The club has repeatedly defended its management of Pendlebury, denying the West Coast fixture was hand-picked for an easy victory. Pendlebury starred in the Anzac Day thrashing of Essendon, was rested for the draw with Hawthorn, and played in the narrow loss to Sydney. His minutes against Essendon also drew scrutiny, with Collingwood playing him for 92 per cent of the final quarter when the game was already decided.
Commercialisation and Financial Aspects
The commercialisation of the game has become a hot topic, with revenue from the milestone match set to go to Pendlebury outside the salary cap. Under the current CBA signed in 2023, players celebrating significant milestones are entitled to 65 per cent of revenue from commercial memorabilia. The AFL granted special dispensation for Pendlebury to receive 100 per cent. AFL great Nick Riewoldt expressed disappointment that controversy overshadows the celebration. "I'm sick of talking about it, to be honest," Riewoldt said. "The boots design by his kids, that's what we should be talking about — the heartwarming aspect. This should be a celebration, plain and simple — but it's not."
Riewoldt criticised the AFL's rules on the run, saying, "When you have a salary cap, you can't allow this to this extent. This is just rules on the run and a free-for-all."
Coach McRae's Focus on Performance
Collingwood coach Craig McRae has batted off criticism and is determined to channel the energy around the club into a strong performance. The Magpies (4-5-1) are winless since Anzac Day and sit outside the wildcard spots. McRae stated, "The best way we can celebrate and honour Pendles is by playing well. We'll put on a good show for our fans and celebrate Pendles the best way possible."
Reflecting on close losses to Hawthorn and Sydney, McRae said those games gave the Magpies belief they can compete at a high level. "We're performing really well in patches and not getting the result in a couple of close games. We've been playing arguably the best teams in the competition and showing that parts of our game stack up, but we won't be taking West Coast lightly."
West Coast Eagles' Challenge
The Eagles (3-7) visit the MCG for the first time this season after ending a six-match losing streak with a home win over GWS. McRae acknowledged their pressure was enormous and emphasised the need for readiness. Pendlebury's milestone is expected to draw about 90,000 fans, the largest crowd for a Magpies-Eagles home and away clash. McRae expressed excitement for the opportunity to celebrate the club's history and culture. "What a great opportunity to live out our culture," he said.
