Scott Pendlebury has played 427 games. He’s facing his first-ever ban

After an extraordinary 427 games, Collingwood veteran Scott Pendlebury has been served a career-first, one-match suspension for an incident during Saturday night’s loss to Adelaide.

Pendlebury’s almost unblemished record is under threat after the AFL match review officer offered him a one-match ban for a hit on Adelaide’s Josh Worrell.

Pendlebury, who was not watching the ball, made contact with his opponent’s head. Worrell stayed down on the ground for several moments after the bump but eventually got to his feet.

On Sunday afternoon, the MRO graded the incident as careless conduct, medium impact and handed down a one-match suspension.

If the ban stands, Pendlebury will miss Collingwood’s match against GWS on March 27.

Loading

The Pies have not yet announced if they will challenge the ban. If they go to the tribunal, Pendlebury’s good record could have an impact on his case.

Under revised AFL guidelines, players do not automatically receive a reduced sanction for a good record. However, “a player with an exemplary record may argue their good record constitutes exceptional and compelling circumstances”.

Pendlebury has near-perfect record, but the veteran player did escape a suspension in 2025 after receiving a $2500 fine for an open-handed punch to Brisbane’s Lachie Neale’s stomach.

Pendlebury is currently chasing Brent Harvey’s AFL record for the most games played with 432 games, and is set to break the record this year.

News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport are sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.

Most Viewed in Sport

Loading