AFL News 2026: Collingwood urged to stick with Scott Pendlebury milestone plan, Matthew Lloyd 'exposed' comments, Rory Sloane reaction

Collingwood has been urged to stick with the plan for Scott Pendlebury to break the V/AFL games record at the MCG against West Coast in round 11, despite questions surrounding the club's priorities.

The Magpies find themselves outside of the top eight following their 54-point thrashing at the hands of Geelong on Saturday night.

Next week they head north to take on ladder-leaders Sydney in an enormous match in the context of their season, but Pendlebury won't play.

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Just like he was rested for the draw with Hawthorn in round eight, Pendlebury will miss again, but this time there isn't a five-day break to point to as an explanation.

Collingwood has struggled against good sides so far this season, losing to Adelaide, Brisbane, Fremantle and now Geelong.

Essendon champion Matthew Lloyd doesn't currently see them as a top six side this season, meaning at best they will have to fight their way through the wildcard round.

"They were so much cleaner than Collingwood tonight Geelong it's not funny," Lloyd told 3AW.

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"They have been shown up tonight. I haven't seen Collingwood shown up like this at a game live in a while. They were exposed in so many areas. So many players who just can't use the footy well enough and make poor decisions.

"They ask that much of Jamie Elliott and he's still the most lively. They were exposed.

"They're a seventh to 10th side this year Collingwood. That's what they are. And Geelong, they'll be top six at the end of the year."

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Pendlebury equalled North Melbourne champion Brent Harvey on 432 games on Saturday night, and will surpass him against the Eagles in round 11.

Adelaide champion Rory Sloane believes Collingwood has made the right call to rest him and ensure it is broken at the MCG, given the significance of the milestone.

"The game is too big for Collingwood and for the sport in general. It has to be at the MCG," Sloane told Nine's Sunday Footy Show.

"This moment is bigger than a whole season. I think there'll be 90,000 plus there.

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"The MCG will be packed. It has to be there for Collingwood fans and football fans who want to see this in general."

Co-host Tony Jones wasn't as sure, saying "who's in charge, the selection committee or the marketing department? What is the priority?".

The 38-year-old will don a Magpies jumper with a golden number on its back against the Eagles to signify the occasion.

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His teammates will wear the standard black and white.

Speaking after the loss, Collingwood coach Craig McRae said they were "unashamed" in their planning of Pendlebury's record-setting moment.

"Scott won't play next week. We're unashamed in that. He'll play the week after going to plan with his body," McRae told reporters.

"This is the plan we stick to. High performance, but also rewarding and celebrating one of the greats of the game."

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The Magpies will also be without captain Darcy Moore against the Swans after he suffered a concussion in the loss to the Cats.

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