Collingwood have been dealt a shock blow in their preliminary final against Brisbane, with Scott Pendlebury subbed out after barely five minutes at the MCG.
The 37-year-old midfielder, playing his 425th AFL game, left the ground clutching at his calf as teammate Mason Cox slotted the opening goal of the match.
Pendlebury was quickly ruled out, with mid-season recruit Roan Steele activated far earlier than expected in just his fifth senior appearance.
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Doubt over grand final hopes
The setback leaves Pendlebury in doubt should the Magpies advance to next week’s decider.
The dual premiership star, who famously claimed the Norm Smith Medal in Collingwood’s 2010 grand final replay win over St Kilda, had been signed on for a remarkable 21st season in 2026, where he is tipped to surpass Brent Harvey’s all-time games record of 432.
Pendlebury was a pivotal figure the last time Collingwood faced Brisbane in September, steering his side to a tense 2023 grand final triumph. But on Saturday, his night ended before it had a chance to begin, with fans left stunned by the early substitution.
The Magpies now face the rest of the clash without their most decorated figure, and will sweat on his fitness as the season reaches its climax.