A vintage Scott Pendlebury performance and a high-scoring VFL thriller have headlined a perfect weekend of action for the Pies against Essendon.
While it was the VFL side that kicked things off with an 11-point win on Friday, it was the 431-gamer who stole the show on the main stage with a career day on Saturday afternoon.
With the Pies taking on the Bombers on Anzac Day for the 31st time, Pendlebury controlled proceedings from the outset and only improved as the game wore on.
Collecting a record fourth Anzac Day Medal (adding to 2010, 2011 and 2019), the veteran collected a career-high 43 disposals and 19 score involvements. The 38-year-old also found the big sticks twice, as his side ran out 77-point winners.
An even contest in the first half, Collingwood opened the game up in the third term with six goals to two, before blasting home nine final-quarter majors to notch their highest ever score under Craig McRae (137).
The crescendo came in the form of Pendlebury’s second goal, taking young Bombers star Archie Roberts to the goal square and earning a free kick, before calmly slotting the late major.
It caused raucous cheers from the Magpie Army that would erupt again just minutes later as Pendlebury’s name was called out for best on ground.
Protégé Nick Daicos might’ve been accepting the medal on any other day, as he wreaked havoc with 42 disposals. Jordan de Goey also impressed with three goals, while Angus Anderson and Roan Steele found the big sticks twice each.
The Round 7 win improved the Pies’ record to 4-3 for the season ahead of a crucial Thursday night fixture against Hawthorn this week.
The day before Pendlebury’s heroics, it was the VFL squad who triumphed, taking down the Bombers’ VFL side at the KGM Centre.
In a back and forth affair, the Pies trailed by a point at three-quarter time before two late Charlie West goals sealed the win.
West’s double in the fourth term was part of his four for the afternoon, bettered only by Jack Buller who kicked five majors from 16 disposals. The recruit now has 12 goals from four VFL games this year.
Ed Allan led the way through the midfield with 33 touches, while Harvey Harrison continues to impress on his return from an ACL injury, racking up 21 touches and 12 tackles.
The win was soured by a second ACL injury to defender Reef McInnes in as many years, with the fifth-year player going down in the first quarter.
It’s a short turnaround for the Pies this week, with the two squads taking on the Hawks.
The AFL side open Round 8 with a Thursday night clash at the MCG, while the VFL side take on Box Hill on Friday night.
