Tom Hayes
JUST one more game.
Sale’s Scott Pendlebury will join the exclusive AFL 400 game club this week.
Pendlebury has played his entire AFL career with Collingwood, where he is the games record holder and two-time premiership winner.
Pendlebury is expected to suit up for game 400 against the old enemy, Carlton on Saturday night.
The game is set to attract a crowd of 90,000 or more, which could be one of the biggest home-and-away crowds of the AFL era.
Pendlebury recently set another record, making it 200 games he has played in front of a crowd bigger than 50,000.
He also registered his 10,000 disposal during the Anzac Day clash against Essendon earlier this season.
In game 399 last Sunday, the Pies defeated Richmond 14.9 (93) to 9.13 (67) at the MCG.
The Magpies found themselves well outside the top eight in 13th before entering this fixture, and a win was all they could afford against the bottom-placed Tigers.
It was all Collingwood to begin with, as the reigning premier opened up a 24-point lead at quarter time.
Pendlebury kicked the first goal of the game, thanks to some unselfish play from Jamie Elliott.
Collingwood extended out to 25 points at halftime, as the Tigers couldn’t be completely taken care of.
The Magpies added four goals to one immediately after halftime, which saw the lead balloon out to 41 points.
Pendlebury was subbed out at three quarter time.
Coach Craig McRae admitted that if it wasn’t for Jordan De Goey’s late exclusion, Pendlebury might’ve started as the substitute.
Pendlebury accumulated 22 disposals in three quarters of football, on top of his first-quarter goal, six clearances, and a goal assist.
The Magpies moved up into 12th on the ladder with four games to go, a game and some percentage outside of the top eight.
A special feature on Scott Pendlebury’s 400th game will be showcased in Friday’s Gippsland Times.
