Ahead of one of the most anticipated AFL matchups of the late season, Collingwood Magpies head coach Craig McRae has delivered a much-needed dose of positive news for the club’s fans: veteran star Scott Pendlebury and dynamic playmaker Jordan De Goey will both take the field against Hawthorn this Saturday. The announcement comes at a critical time for the Magpies, who have been decimated by a crippling injury wave that has sidelined several of their top players through the closing rounds of the campaign. High-profile names including captain Darcy Moore, Patrick Lipinski, Jeremy Howe, Brayden Maynard, Harry Perryman and Jamie Elliot all currently sit on the sidelines, leaving the club’s depth severely tested heading into the blockbuster clash. The return of the two experienced midfielders marks a substantial boost to a squad that has been forced to dig into its reserves in recent weeks. Pendlebury, a 440-game club icon, was forced to miss Collingwood’s away trip to Perth last round while managing a persistent calf complaint. Off the field, the veteran has been the subject of widespread speculation in recent days: the 2027 contract is still unsigned, and multiple rival clubs have been linked to a potential move for the champion midfielder, coming just days after fellow Collingwood legend Steele Sidebottom announced his retirement after an 18-year storied career with the club. Speaking to media this week, McRae made clear the club has no intention of rushing Pendlebury into a decision about his future, confirming the veteran will be given all the time he needs to make a call by the end of the season. Addressing recent reports suggesting Pendlebury intends to continue his playing career beyond this season, McRae noted that while he had not personally confirmed those reports, the widespread interest from other clubs comes as no surprise given the midfielder’s ongoing impact both on and off the field. “We’ve had Pendles as a core part of our group for the best part of a decade, and the value he brings to our club environment is incredible,” McRae said. “It makes total sense that other teams would see that same value. All the speculation right now is just around what he could bring to any playing group – the culture he builds, the leadership he provides, the way he mentors younger players. That’s a rare quality.” McRae, who has worked closely with Pendlebury since taking over as head coach in 2022, highlighted the midfielder’s unmatched impact on the club’s emerging talent, adding that his support for young players has become one of his most important contributions to the Magpies’ program in recent seasons.
Scott Pendlebury and Jordan De Goey cleared for blockbuster clash against Hawthorn
