Harley Reid says he's expecting '90,000 boos' at the MCG this week as his West Coast Eagles prepare to play the role of party poopers in Scott Pendlebury's record-breaking match on Saturday.
Collingwood will celebrate Pendlebury becoming the all-time AFL/VFL games record holder with his 433rd appearance, and the Magpies' fans are expected to create a massive atmosphere. The fixture will likely draw the largest home-and-away crowd the Eagles have ever faced, and it could be their biggest outside of the six grand finals they have contested at the MCG.
Fresh from a standout performance in West Coast's upset win over Greater Western Sydney, Reid said his team would not shy away from the challenge of spoiling the party in front of the Magpie Army.
"I'll probably be copping 90,000 boos. We'll see how we go," Reid told Channel Seven. "It's huge for the AFL world. Scott Pendlebury is a well-respected player – what he's done for the game is amazing. We're all going to be super grateful to have that opportunity to play in front of 90,000 or however many there will be. But we won't take a backward step. We'll hopefully go out there, play to our strengths and bring consistent four-quarter footy."
Eagles coach Andrew McQualter said he had spoken to the players about the Magpies clash immediately after Sunday's win, urging them to embrace the "really special occasion."
"What an opportunity. The biggest thing that is now required is our preparation, starting from now, ensures that we turn up ready to play in six days' time and put on a performance to try to beat the Pies. That's the most important part," McQualter said. "Yes, it's great to play in these games, but these are the games you want to perform in. We haven't had the opportunity to play in many massive games in my time, but it will be one next week and we look forward to it."
The coach emphasised that the team's preparation would remain consistent as they chase their first win at the MCG in more than five years. "Guys will handle it a bit differently. We'll ensure that the emotions don't get too high because 90,000 Pies fans can be loud," McQualter said. "But we'll have our fair share there that turn up as well. We've got a great contingent of fan base over there in Melbourne and people who travel with us."
