Collingwood Football Club faces a significant selection headache ahead of its crucial AFL matchup against Brisbane, with veteran star Scott Pendlebury officially ruled out and captain Darcy Moore considered highly doubtful due to fresh injury concerns. The developments emerged following the Magpies’ 33-point victory over GWS Giants at Marvel Stadium on Friday night, where both players experienced physical setbacks that have put their immediate playing futures in jeopardy. Coach Craig McRae provided detailed insights into both situations during post-match assessments. Pendlebury’s absence stems from Achilles tightness that forced his early exit during the third quarter, a predetermined management plan according to McRae. The situation surrounding Moore appears more complex—the skipper displayed visible discomfort throughout the contest despite attempting to play through what the coach described as ‘hamstring awareness.’ Moore had only just returned from a calf injury that sidelined him for the season’s opening matches. McRae defended the controversial decision to keep Moore on the field, characterizing it as a ‘throw at the stumps within reason’ given the early stage of the season. The coach emphasized his philosophy of calculated risk-taking while acknowledging medical staff would never expose players to significant danger. Despite the injury concerns, Collingwood improved their season record to 2-1 with their fifth consecutive victory at Marvel Stadium. McRae noted improvements in center clearances and inside-50 entries—areas that had concerned the coaching staff during the opening rounds—though he acknowledged further refinement was needed. The club now faces six days to assess Moore’s condition before traveling to face Brisbane, with medical investigations determining the extent of his hamstring issue.
AFL 2026: Collingwood coach Craig McRae on the Scott Pendlebury, Darcy Moore fitness
