AdminCollingwood’s experienced player Scott Pendlebury is set to be managed by the Magpies, who are likely to implement a last-minute adjustment for their Round 20 game against Richmond.
This choice comes as the Magpies are mindful of their six-day turnaround before facing strong competition from Brisbane, as reported by Tom Morris of 9 News, leading to the decision to manage their veteran midfielder.
The Magpies have already altered their lineup three times since their recent defeat to Fremantle, welcoming back Tom Mitchell and Tim Membrey after resting them. Recruit Dan Houston will also make his return following an abdominal issue, while Oleg Markov and Mason Cox are excluded from the squad, and Beau McCreery is out due to a hamstring injury.
Both Markov and fellow emergency Roan Steele did not participate in Collingwood’s VFL match against Frankston on Saturday night, with the expectation that Markov will take Pendlebury’s place in the 23-player roster. Resting Pendlebury and reintroducing Markov may allow Josh Daicos to return to a midfield position, as he had moved back into a defensive role after a stellar performance in Round 18 against Gold Coast.
Pendlebury’s absence will create an opportunity at centre bounce, enabling coach Craig McRae to utilize both Markov and Houston in defense, potentially letting Daicos advance further up the field.
Collingwood aims to find the perfect equilibrium in their midfield, featuring both Mitchell and Ned Lonh alongside Nick Daicos, Steele Sidebottom, and Jack Crisp in the center.
Both teams, Collingwood and Richmond, will announce their finalized lineups an hour before the 2:10pm (AEST) start at the MCG on Sunday.
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