Scott Pendlebury has been hailed as an AFL legend after producing one of the best performances of his Hall of Fame career in Collingwood's record 77-point Anzac Day demolition of Essendon. However, the evergreen champion is unlikely to equal the all-time VFL-AFL games record against Hawthorn on Thursday night, with Magpies coach Craig McRae determined to preserve his star player.
Pendlebury's Record-Breaking Display
Turning 38 in January, Pendlebury blitzed the Bombers with 43 possessions and two goals to receive maximum votes in claiming his fourth Anzac Day Medal on Saturday. It was a masterclass from the veteran, who broke his career-high possessions in a game, surpassing the 42 he had against Adelaide in 2013.
The Magpies' inaccurate kicking had kept Essendon in the game at halftime, but a six-goal third-term onslaught set up the commanding 20.17 (137) to 9.6 (60) victory in front of 92,231 fans at the MCG. This was the biggest margin in any Anzac Day contest, topping the 73 points Collingwood won by in 2008.
McRae's Praise for Pendlebury
“I don’t want to be older and greyer and not appreciate this man,” McRae said of Pendlebury. “What we witnessed today, he’s a legend of our game, a legend of our footy club. To be able to do that now at 38 ... we have no barriers on age, and no ceilings on performance. He’s remarkable, and every time we watch him perform we’re in awe.”
Pendlebury became the most decorated player in the 31-year history of Collingwood-Essendon Anzac Day blockbusters, going clear of Bomber legend James Hird, who won three medals. The six-time All-Australian previously won the medal in 2010, 2011, and 2019.
Daicos Upstaged by Veteran
Magpie megastar Nick Daicos started the match a $1.36 favourite to be best-on-ground following his stunning last-quarter burst against Carlton last week. But Daicos, who was still influential with 42 disposals, was upstaged by a smooth mover 15 years his senior. Playing predominantly in the midfield, Pendlebury enjoyed silver service from ruck duo Darcy Cameron and Oscar Steene.
Games Record on Hold
Pendlebury will equal North Melbourne great Brent Harvey's games record of 432 the next time he plays. That might not be until Round 9 when the Magpies face Geelong at the MCG. “Probably think you’re unlikely,” McRae said to Pendlebury about his chances of facing Hawthorn. “We’ve got a five-day turnaround, and we’ll make decisions during the week, see how he pulls up. (Pendlebury spent) a lot of time on ground, which is great for today, but maybe not for next week.”
If Pendlebury rests against the Hawks, he could be set to break Harvey's mark against Sydney at the SCG in Round 10. The Magpies' game after the trip to Sydney is back at the MCG, where they host West Coast.
Collingwood's Dominance
Collingwood's Anzac Day rampage was the first time they have scored more than 100 points in a game since round 17 last year. The Magpies had seven individual goal-kickers, with reinvigorated Jordan De Goey leading the way with three goals.
Essendon's Dark Day
It was another dark day for the Bombers, who had come off a drought-breaking win in Gather Round and another competitive showing last week against Gold Coast. Archie Roberts was clearly Essendon's best, gathering 42 possessions playing off half-back. Unheralded Bomber Archer Day-Wicks had a first quarter to remember, booting two goals and pulling off a mark-of-the-round contender.
“Scott Pendlebury alone has played more games than three-quarters of our team combined,” Bombers coach Brad Scott lamented. “But I was looking forward to the occasion to see our inexperienced players under pressure ... the inability to absorb the pressure and stand up and show some composure was right across the board, not just our young players.”
