Collingwood Magpies veteran Scott Pendlebury has definitively stated he will wear 11 gold-numbered jerseys during his record-breaking 433rd AFL appearance this Saturday. This clarification comes amidst reports and public discussion regarding the number of commemorative items associated with his upcoming milestone, which sees him surpass Brent Harvey's long-standing games record.
Pendlebury's decision to wear 11 distinct jerseys for the match against the West Coast Eagles at the MCG has been confirmed, following earlier speculation that the number might be 12. He detailed his plan for the jerseys, stating that after the match, one will go to the AFL, with the remainder allocated to his family – including his parents, children, and brothers. This arrangement has been a point of contention for some, particularly concerning the financial implications and the nature of commemorative merchandise tied to significant individual achievements within the league.
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Pendlebury's approach to his record-breaking game involves 11 special jerseys, with a plan for their distribution post-match, which includes allocation to family members and the AFL itself. This detail aims to quell a discrepancy in reported numbers and offers a glimpse into the personal distribution of these items.
Jersey Design and AFL Approval
The special jerseys will feature a gold number '10' on the back, a tribute to Pendlebury's long-standing playing number, and the number '433' on the chest to mark the milestone. Collingwood Magpies had formally requested and received approval from the AFL for Pendlebury to wear this special design during his record-breaking game. An additional element, an ‘SP433’ symbol incorporating gold and Pendlebury’s silhouette, is also set to appear on the club's main guernsey for the occasion, blending with the traditional black and white colours.
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Wider Merchandise and Financial Considerations
The commemoration of Pendlebury's record extends beyond just the match-worn jerseys. Plans include a range of merchandise, such as replica gold number 10 jerseys, special edition boots, wine, and watches. This comprehensive approach to leveraging the milestone for commercial purposes has sparked debate. Reports indicate that the AFL has allowed Pendlebury to retain 100 percent of the proceeds from these commemorative items, with these earnings not counting towards the Magpies' salary cap. This arrangement has been highlighted by critics as a significant financial benefit for the player, leading to discussions about potential precedents for other players achieving similar milestones.
Mixed Reactions and Background
While Pendlebury's exceptional career and long tenure with the Collingwood Magpies are widely acknowledged, the surrounding commercial aspects have drawn a spectrum of responses. Some figures within the sport, like Collingwood coach Craig McRae and Essendon champion Matthew Lloyd, have publicly supported the initiatives celebrating Pendlebury's achievement. Conversely, former Collingwood captain Tony Shaw has expressed a preference for a different form of commemoration, suggesting a specially designed jersey for the occasion rather than just a gold number overlay. The debate centres on the entitlement to celebrate significant sporting achievements through commercial avenues versus concerns about fairness and potential for exploitation.
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Pendlebury, who is 38 years old, has been a prominent figure in the AFL since being drafted with the No. 5 pick in 2005. He has amassed 432 games over 22 seasons, demonstrating consistent high-level performance, including a recent Anzac Day Medal win for his outstanding display against Essendon. The upcoming match against the West Coast Eagles is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at the MCG, a venue expected to be at capacity for the historic event.
