Pendlebury could miss rest of season with his playing future undecided

Collingwood footballer Scott Pendlebury is set to miss the remainder of the season due to a hamstring injury, according to the club. The 38-year-old, who holds the all-time V/AFL games record, will be sidelined for up to three weeks, ruling him out of the AFL/VFL wildcard match set for next week. Pendlebury, whose career at Collingwood spans 21 years, has yet to make a decision on his playing future beyond 2027.

He was initially ruled out in the second quarter of Friday night's 63-point loss to Brisbane at the MCG, with a knee bursa reported. However, scans on Saturday confirmed a hamstring strain that will keep him out for two or three weeks. This setback comes as Collingwood prepares for the AFL's inaugural wildcard weekend. Collingwood's football boss, Charlie Gardiner, expressed disappointment at this time of year, but praised Pendlebury for his professionalism in managing his recovery.

The club is also dealing with the news that defender Brayden Maynard suffered a knee injury during training, putting his 2027 prospects in doubt. Maynard was expected to return, but scans have revealed a grade-one MCL strain, ruling him out for the season.