Collingwood’s Daicos call is ‘worst nightmare’

Scott Pendlebury will miss Collingwood's wildcard round match next weekend due to a hamstring injury, according to the club. The 38-year-old, who holds the AFL/VFL games record, is yet to decide whether he will continue playing in 2027. Collingwood confirmed the injury occurred in the second quarter of their 63-point loss to Brisbane at the MCG. Scans revealed a hamstring strain, which will rule Pendlebury out for up to three weeks. This means he will be absent from at least next week's historic wildcard match. The setback adds to a challenging week for Collingwood, as tough defender Brayden Maynard also suffered a knee injury during training. Maynard, who is in doubt for the remainder of the season, sustained a grade-one MCL strain, unrelated to his previous injury. Both injuries come at a crucial time for the club, which is preparing for the AFL finals. Coach Craig McRae acknowledged the disappointment but emphasized that both players are professionals who will work to recover as quickly as possible. Pendlebury's injury follows a similar incident last year, when he strained a calf during the preliminary final against Brisbane. His current condition raises questions about his potential participation in the upcoming finals. While Pendlebury has expressed willingness to continue playing if his body allows, the club is cautious about risking further injury. The Magpies are weighing the risks of having him play if he returns in time for the finals, particularly considering the demanding schedule of five consecutive weeks of knockout matches. Collingwood's management is also dealing with the implications of Pendlebury's potential retirement. Without a contract for next season, he will become an unrestricted free agent, with several clubs showing interest. The Gold Coast Suns and Essendon have been linked to his services, with Essendon potentially offering him a role as an assistant coach. Magpies president Barry Carp stated that the decision ultimately rests with Pendlebury, but AFL legend Leigh Matthews argued that the club should guide the discussion, emphasizing the importance of honesty and professionalism. Meanwhile, Brisbane Lions secured a top-four position with their 63-point victory over Collingwood. Young star Logan Morris delivered a standout performance, booting eight goals, while Lachie Neale contributed significantly. The win ensured the Lions will face Sydney in the finals, avoiding a matchup with minor premiers Fremantle. Coach Chris Fagan praised Morris' performance and highlighted the contributions of his fellow forwards, including Oscar Allen and Eric Hipwood. The Lions' dominance was evident throughout the match, with a total of 40 goals scored. Despite Collingwood's efforts, the game lacked the intensity and defensive commitment typically associated with the club. Coach McRae noted the difficulty of managing such a low-energy performance, especially as the team prepares for the wildcard round. The outcome leaves Collingwood in a precarious position, needing to rely on its remaining players to maintain its finals hopes. As the AFL enters its final stages, the focus shifts to the wildcard round, where Collingwood faces either Carlton or the Western Bulldogs. The absence of Pendlebury and Maynard presents a significant challenge for the Magpies, testing their depth and resilience. With the stakes high, the coming days will determine whether Collingwood can navigate these obstacles and continue its pursuit of success in the finals.