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Scott Pendlebury’s heavy workload has sparked debate as Collingwood manage his fitness and Essendon face scrutiny over their late-game effort.
Kane Cornes has questioned Collingwood's handling of Scott Pendlebury in their Anzac Day win, suggesting the veteran may have been overplayed in pursuit of individual milestones at the expense of team priorities.
Pendlebury produced a standout performance in the 77-point victory over Essendon, collecting a career-high 43 disposals and 19 score involvements to claim a fourth Anzac Medal. However, he spent 83 per cent of the match on the ground, including 92 per cent of the final quarter, well above his usual rotation.
Coach Craig McRae confirmed Pendlebury will be rested for the upcoming match against Hawthorn, as Collingwood manages his workload ahead of a potential record-breaking appearance. The midfielder is one game short of overtaking Brent Harvey's all-time games mark of 432, with the club targeting a milestone match at the MCG next month.
Cornes argued that decision-making around Pendlebury's minutes may have contributed to his enforced rest, leaving Collingwood without a key player during a critical stretch of fixtures. The Magpies face Hawthorn, Geelong and Sydney in the coming weeks, with Cornes suggesting the team's premiership hopes could hinge on those results.
He indicated that a more measured approach during the Essendon game may have allowed Pendlebury to back up the following week, rather than miss a match against a direct competitor.
Meanwhile, Garry Lyon criticised Essendon's final-quarter performance, describing it as a lack of resistance in the closing stages. He suggested the Bombers appeared to concede momentum, allowing Collingwood to control play and shape the narrative of the match.
Lyon said the contrast between a competitive first half and the one-sided finish raised concerns about Essendon's ability to sustain pressure, particularly in high-profile fixtures. He added that the closing quarter reflected poorly on the team's competitiveness.
