Scott Pendlebury of the Collingwood Magpies became the official VFL/AFL games record holder on Saturday, May 23, 2026, playing his 433rd career match. Collingwood won the milestone game against the West Coast Eagles 13.14 (92) to 12.10 (82) at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in front of a crowd of 90,028.
The Milestone
Pendlebury surpassed the previous record of 432 games held by Brent Harvey of North Melbourne. He made his AFL debut for Collingwood in 2006. Pendlebury is a dual premiership player (2010, 2023), a Norm Smith Medalist (2010), a six-time All-Australian, and a five-time Copeland Trophy winner.
The Match Summary
Collingwood trailed at half-time but kicked six goals in the third quarter to take a three-point lead into the final break. They then held off a late charge from West Coast to secure the 10-point victory.
- Collingwood goals: Jamie Elliott (3), Nick Daicos (3), Daniel McStay (2), Roan Steele (2), Jack Buller, Ed Allan, Pat Lipinski, Lachie Schultz.
- West Coast goals: Elliot Yeo (3), Matthew Champion (2), Jobe Shanahan (2), Brady Hough, Harry Johnston, Milan Murdock, Jake Waterman, Bailey Williams.
- Best players (Collingwood): Nick Daicos, Jack Crisp, Darcy Cameron, Jordan De Goey, Jeremy Howe, Jamie Elliott.
- Best players (West Coast): Bailey Williams, Jake Williams, Reuben Ginbey, Milan Murdock, Harley Reid, Jack Lindsay.
Celebrations and Tributes
- Pendlebury was led onto the MCG through a guard of honour featuring former teammates, members of the 400-game club, and AFL CEO Andrew Dillon. He ran through the banner with his children, Jax and Darcy.
- At the 10-minute mark of the first quarter, fans held up signs reading 'SP433' and applauded Pendlebury.
- All Collingwood players wore gold numbers on their guernseys, a detail kept secret from the players until shortly before the game. Coach Craig McRae noted the club might not have obtained league approval for the jumpers.
- Pendlebury wore custom-designed Puma boots decorated by his children.
Injuries
- Collingwood: Jamie Elliott suffered a suspected serious left knee injury in the final minutes after landing awkwardly from a mark. Darcy Moore exited before half-time with a hamstring injury. Pendlebury played through a wrist/hand issue. Will Hayes dislocated his shoulder.
- West Coast: No injuries were reported.
Post-Match Comments
Scott Pendlebury said he received over 1,000 messages during the week and acknowledged some negative comments but focused on the positive response. He noted his family and club will receive most of his match-worn jumpers, with only one to be auctioned to raise money for the My Room children's cancer charity.
Collingwood coach Craig McRae said the club's decision to prioritize the milestone was appropriate: "If we’re just considering that someone’s bigger than the team for that one day, can’t we celebrate one person?"