Pendlebury shatters record, magpies flood the mcg
Scott Pendlebury etched his name into Australian football history Saturday, surpassing Brent Harvey’s incredible AFL/VFL games record and sending a tidal wave of Collingwood supporters into a frenzy.
A legendary milestone
The veteran midfielder, alongside his sons Jax and Darcy, ran onto the Melbourne Cricket Ground to claim his 433rd game, a moment instantly recognized as a watershed achievement in the sport. The MCG was absolutely packed – estimates put the crowd at over 90,000, a potential record for a Magpies home match.
But the celebration didn’t stop there. Every single Collingwood player donned a gold number on their jersey, a bold and visually arresting statement of support. Initially, the decision to go all-in on the gold theme had faced some criticism, yet coach Craig McRae insisted, “The jumpers look good. I’m not sure we got approval for all of them - we might get in trouble for that - but we wanted to look like a team.”
A calculated risk?
Pendlebury himself acknowledged the strategic element, stating, “It’s different, and since ‘Fly’ [McRae] has been here we’ve been really big on actually embracing the occasion. This is a little bit different because it is an individual (milestone) but I’ve tried to lap it up and enjoy it.” He added with a wry smile, “I was just doing some shopping yesterday down in Elwood and they clapped me when I walked out, and I was holding a pumpkin.”
Adding a personal touch, Jax and Darcy designed custom Puma boots for their father, adorned with unique artwork. Pendlebury described the boots as “probably the best thing I’ve ever received in footy.”
A strategic match-up
The match against West Coast is significant, offering Collingwood a chance to climb back into playoff contention. The Eagles, fresh off a dominant win against GWS, represent a genuine challenge. McRae acknowledged the importance of the occasion, stating, “They played really good footy last week and we know what we’re up against.”
Despite the spotlight on Pendlebury, Collingwood’s performance has been inconsistent lately, drawing tough losses to Hawthorn and Sydney. However, Pendlebury remains optimistic: “We’re playing alright footy and I think we’re building.”
A crowd like no other
The atmosphere at the MCG is electric – and it’s not just the players enjoying the moment. A crowd of over 90,000 is expected, a truly historic attendance for a Magpies-Eagles fixture, and the largest West Coast has faced in years, aside from grand finals. Pendlebury concluded, “It’s going to be amazing to have that many people here and we’re so fortunate to play in front of these crowds all the time. For a lot of fans to be able to get here and pack this house out today will be really special. There’s nothing better than the ‘G on a Saturday afternoon in front of ninety thousand.”
Ultimately, Pendlebury's legacy isn't just about the records he’s broken, but the spirit he embodies – a relentless drive and unwavering commitment to the game.