THIS IS THE BEST NEWS WE COULD HOPE FOR: Collingwood Head Coach Craig McRae Backs Superstar Scott Pendlebury for Crucial AFL Clash Against St Kilda…

In a boost that has Magpies fans buzzing with optimism, Collingwood head coach Craig McRae has thrown his full support behind club legend Scott Pendlebury ahead of tomorrow’s high-stakes AFL showdown against St Kilda at RSEA Park. With the October 12 fixture looming as a pivotal moment in the Magpies’ late-season push for finals glory, McRae’s endorsement couldn’t come at a better time. “Scott’s our heartbeat, our general,” McRae declared in a pre-match press conference today. “He’s not just playing; he’s leading. This is the best news we could hope for—Pendles is primed and ready to fire.”

The 37-year-old Pendlebury, entering his 20th season with the black and white, has been nothing short of phenomenal in 2025. Defying Father Time with the grace of a man half his age, the dual premiership winner has racked up an astonishing 30 disposals and six clearances in his most recent outing, all while mentoring a young Collingwood engine room that’s gunning for a third flag in 16 years. His 400th game milestone last season was a testament to his enduring class, and now, with the Saints standing in the way of momentum, McRae’s faith in his skipper is the rallying cry the team needs.

### A Tactical Masterstroke: Why Pendlebury’s Inclusion is Game-Changing

McRae’s backing isn’t mere sentiment—it’s strategic gold. Collingwood’s recent form has been a rollercoaster, with a heartbreaking preliminary final exit against Brisbane in September still fresh in the minds. Pendlebury’s early departure in that clash due to a tight calf was a body blow, but the veteran has since knuckled down in rehab, emerging fitter and fiercer. “We had a good chat about management a few months back,” McRae revealed, echoing his approach from earlier in the year when Pendlebury started as the sub against Port Adelaide to ease his workload during a grueling schedule. “But for this one? No holding back. Scott’s trained like a demon all week. He’s cleared, he’s hungry, and he’s leading from the front.”

Against St Kilda, Pendlebury’s matchup potential is mouthwatering. The Saints, under Ross Lyon, pride themselves on gritty, numbers-back defense—a style that frustrated Collingwood in their Round 9 meeting at the same venue earlier this year. But with Pendles orchestrating play, the Magpies’ midfield machine—bolstered by the electric Nick Daicos—could unlock St Kilda’s compact setup. Remember the fiery 2025 Round 15 clash at Marvel Stadium? Collingwood avenged an earlier loss with a 34-point demolition, where Pendlebury’s poise under pressure was pivotal. McRae even instructed Daicos to “keep his cool” amid a brutal tag, with teammates like Jamie Elliott and the skipper himself forming a protective wall. “We make them pay,” McRae had said then. Expect echoes of that intensity tomorrow.

Pendlebury’s stats speak volumes: Over 7,500 career disposals, 190 goals, and a Norm Smith Medal from the 2010 Grand Final replay against—you guessed it—St Kilda. In 2025 alone, he’s averaged 23.5 disposals per game, laying tackles like a man possessed (1,166 for his career) and winning contested possessions (2,374 and counting) that turn games on their head. At RSEA Park, where the Saints’ home-ground advantage often morphs into a cauldron of pressure, Pendlebury’s experience is the ultimate X-factor. “He’s won more games at the ‘G than anyone, but he thrives in these away-day battles too,” McRae added. “St Kilda will come hard, but Scott’s the one who bends but never breaks.”

### The Bigger Picture: Collingwood’s Late-Season Surge

This isn’t just about one game—it’s about legacy. Collingwood sits atop the ladder, a game-and-a-half clear after a bye-fueled recharge, but the road to September is littered with traps. St Kilda, fresh off a gritty win over a mid-table rival, will be desperate to spoil the party. Their forward line, led by the evergreen Tim Membrey (who bagged four against the Pies in March), poses a threat, but McRae’s game plan is clear: Unleash the veterans to empower the youth.

McRae, contracted through 2026 after a stellar turnaround since taking the reins in 2021, has masterminded 28 wins in 38 games by fostering a culture of accountability and flair. His post-match huddles are legendary—raw, real, and results-driven. After a sloppy loss to the Saints in 2024, he called out his stars for turnovers; this time, he’s empowering them. “Our best players need to be our best leaders,” he said today. With Pendlebury at the helm, alongside Steele Sidebottom (equaling the record for most games as teammates at 307), the message is unmistakable: Premiership pedigree wins finals.

Fans at RSEA Park should brace for a thriller. Kickoff is set for 3:20pm AEDT, with Collingwood favored by a whisker despite the venue shift from the MCG. Weather forecasts predict clear skies—perfect for Pendlebury’s laser-like kicks and Daicos’ daring runs. As McRae put it: “This is Collingwood footy. Tough, smart, and unbreakable.”

### Fan Frenzy: Why This Feels Like Vintage Magpies Magic

Across social media and the stands, the hype is palpable. “Pendles vs Saints? That’s poetry,” tweeted one diehard. Another quipped, “McRae’s got the Midas touch—turning calf strains into comebacks.” For a club that’s weathered injuries to Brody Mihocek and Beau McCreery this year, this news is manna from heaven. It’s a reminder that in the AFL’s brutal coliseum, experience isn’t a luxury—it’s a weapon.

As the clock ticks down to tomorrow, one thing’s certain: With Craig McRae brainstorming victory with Scott Pendlebury, Collingwood isn’t just hoping for the best. They’re built for it. Bring on the Saints. The Magpies are roaring back.