Collingwood veteran Scott Pendlebury took home the Anzac Day medal after a career-high 43 disposals, 19 score involvements, two goals, two goal assists, 10 marks and six inside 50s. The 38-year-old's masterclass encapsulated why he is so good, as he appeared to be playing 10 simultaneous games of chess while Essendon had no answer.
A Display of Competence
The week in football was characterized by an absence of competence, from Kayo's crashes to questionable umpiring and tribunal decisions. In contrast, Pendlebury's performance was a refreshing display of craft and care. Early in the match, he made a rare mistake, kicking out on the full, but quickly shook it off and went to work. Every one of his 43 touches had purpose, with most proving damaging and 19 leading to scores.
Reading the Game
As Bombers coach Brad Scott noted, Pendlebury has played more games than three-quarters of the Essendon team combined. He constantly read the opposition's minds, anticipating their moves and exploiting their weaknesses. At centre square stoppages, he would point a finger or raise an eyebrow to shift the geometry of the setup, picking pockets and tessellating space. The Bombers were playing checkers while Pendlebury played multiple games of chess simultaneously.
Order Amidst Chaos
The game was frantic early, but Essendon quickly fatigued, losing their dare, composure, and competence. Pendlebury remained orderly, never rushed, caught, fazed, or beaten. He was everything Essendon wasn't, leading Collingwood to a 77-point mauling.
Other Examples of Excellence
The Anzac round also featured standout performances from Kysaiah Pickett and Jason Horne-Francis, as well as moving renditions of the New Zealand national anthem. However, the round was soured by the appeals board's decision to reduce Lance Collard's ban, which was widely criticized as insulting to the LGBTQ+ community and the majority of AFL players.
Impact of the Appeals Board
The findings of the appeals board under Will Houghton KC, who was swiftly removed from his duties, damaged the AFL's credibility. The league has been desperate to lead on inclusivity, but this decision undermined their efforts. While an independent appeals board is a good thing, it must operate with 21st-century values and basic competence, a quality still absent in key aspects of the sport.
