Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Scott Pendlebury breaks the AFL games record on Saturday as the Collingwood champion runs out for his 433rd VFL AFL appearance against West Coast at the MCG. The Magpies veteran surpassed North Melbourne great Brent Harvey to become the competition’s all time games leader in front of an expected crowd of more than 90,000 fans. The milestone match carried extra significance for Collingwood, with every Magpies player wearing gold numbers on their jumpers to honour Pendlebury’s achievement.
Pendlebury entered the league in 2006 and has built one of the most decorated careers in modern AFL history. The two time premiership player and six time All Australian has remained one of the league’s most consistent performers across nearly two decades.
The occasion began with an emotional pregame moment as Pendlebury walked onto the MCG alongside his children Jax and Darcy. The veteran midfielder also wore custom designed Puma boots created by his children, describing them as one of the most meaningful gifts he had received during his football career.
“It’s probably the best thing I’ve ever received in footy,” Pendlebury told Fox Footy before the match.
Collingwood embraces the occasion
Collingwood made a late decision to ensure every player wore a gold number rather than reserving the tribute exclusively for Pendlebury. The original plan attracted criticism earlier in the week, with some observers arguing the celebration focused too heavily on the individual.
Magpies coach Craig McRae defended the club’s approach and said the squad wanted to celebrate together as a team.
“The jumpers look good,” McRae said before the match.
“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.”
Pendlebury himself appeared relaxed ahead of the historic moment and said he had tried to enjoy the extra attention surrounding the record breaking game.
“This is a little bit different because it is an individual milestone but I’ve tried to lap it up and enjoy it,” Pendlebury said.
The Collingwood star also shared a light hearted story about supporters applauding him while he was shopping in Melbourne the day before the match.
“It’s been fun and I’ve enjoyed it, and now’s the easy part where you get to go out and play,” he said.
Debate surrounded Pendlebury’s milestone
The lead up to the match generated strong discussion across the AFL community, particularly regarding Collingwood’s handling of Pendlebury during recent weeks.
Pendlebury was managed out of two of the club’s previous three matches, including a draw against Hawthorn and a narrow defeat to Sydney. Critics questioned whether the club had deliberately targeted the West Coast fixture as the ideal opportunity for the record breaking appearance.
McRae dismissed those suggestions during the week and rejected the idea Collingwood had manipulated the schedule for a favourable matchup.
“That’s pretty naive to think we would do that,” McRae said.
Despite recent criticism, Pendlebury remained confident in the direction of the team. Collingwood entered the contest with a 4 5 1 record but remained within reach of a wildcard finals position.
The Magpies veteran pointed to the quality of opposition faced in recent rounds and believed the team was improving despite mixed results.
“We drew with Hawthorn and lost by a kick to the Swans, so we’re playing alright footy and I think we’re building,” Pendlebury said.
Huge crowd expected at the MCG
The occasion attracted enormous interest from supporters across the league. More than 90,000 fans were expected at the MCG, which would make it the largest home and away crowd ever recorded for a Collingwood versus West Coast match.
Pendlebury said the atmosphere at the MCG remained one of the greatest experiences in Australian sport.
“There’s nothing better than the ‘G on a Saturday afternoon in front of ninety thousand,” he said.
West Coast also embraced the significance of the occasion while remaining focused on producing an upset victory. The Eagles entered the match with momentum after an impressive comeback win over Greater Western Sydney in the previous round.
Coach Andrew McQualter acknowledged the challenge of playing in front of such a large crowd but insisted his side intended to spoil the celebration.
“That’s what our intentions will be,” McQualter said during the week.
“I spoke to the players post game about what an opportunity it will be to play in front of a big crowd.”
One of the AFL’s greatest careers
Pendlebury’s career achievements place him among the most accomplished players in AFL history. Alongside his two premierships and Norm Smith Medal, he has become renowned for his composure, leadership and elite decision making across 433 matches.
His longevity has also set a benchmark for modern footballers. Since debuting as a teenager in 2006, Pendlebury has remained a central figure at Collingwood through multiple eras and coaching changes.
Saturday’s match also featured several other milestones across the AFL community. Magpies defender Dan Houston celebrated his 200th AFL appearance, while West Coast midfielder Harley Reid reached the 50 game mark. Boundary umpire Ian Burrows officiated his 450th league match.
Regardless of the result against West Coast, Pendlebury’s achievement marked a historic moment for both Collingwood and the AFL competition.
