Collingwood hit with more bad news after champion’s fresh scans
The 36-year-old failed to complete a fitness test and had to get his arm checked out again.
7news.com.auHere’s a concise update on the latest around Scott Pendlebury and his recent games.
Overview
- Pendlebury has been active for Collingwood in 2026, with recent rounds focusing on his pursuit of the all-time games record and his on-field impact for the Magpies.[3][9][10]
Recent news highlights
- He faced questions about a one-match suspension in March 2026, which was ultimately downgraded to a fine after Tribunal review due to exceptional and compelling circumstances. He remained eligible to play in subsequent rounds, keeping his drive to break the all-time games record on track.[2][9][3]
- Pendlebury was sidelined temporarily in early 2026 due to a non-match-related injury assessment, with scans indicating a bicep issue. The team anticipated rehabilitation and a potential return after a brief layoff, aligning with the prognosis for his milestone pursuit.[1]
- In March 2026, media coverage noted Pendlebury’s leadership and strategic value as Collingwood navigated a rough patch in the season, while he continued to contribute at a high level when fit.[8][3]
Context on milestones
- Pendlebury has been close to or within reach of Brent Harvey’s long-standing games record, with multiple reports suggesting he could reach or surpass the 432-game mark in 2026 depending on availability and finals involvement.[10][3]
Notes and next steps
- Expect ongoing updates on his match readiness and any remaining injury considerations ahead of key fixtures, especially those around late-season rounds and finals aspirations.[1][3][10]
Citations
- This summary references recent coverage from 7NEWS on Pendlebury’s injury and planned return timeline, ESPN reporting on a suspension and tribunal outcomes, AFL official coverage on tribunal fate and milestone context, and additional season context from Zero Hanger and broader AFL outlets.[4][5][2][3][10][1]