Overview
- Collingwood thrashed Essendon by 77 points at the MCG in Saturday’s Anzac Day blockbuster, winning 20.17 (137) to 9.6 (60) before 92,231 fans.
- Scott Pendlebury delivered a career-best 43 disposals with two goals and 19 score involvements to claim a record fourth Anzac Day Medal.
- After a tight first half, the Magpies broke the game open with a six-goal third quarter sparked by a turnover and a running goal from Pendlebury.
- Coach Craig McRae said Pendlebury is unlikely to face Hawthorn next Thursday given the five-day turnaround, which could shape the timing of his AFL games record pursuit.
- Essendon left with fresh concerns, as forward Archer May exited with knee medial ligament soreness and coach Brad Scott lamented his side’s composure under pressure.