Pies Star Pendlebury Shines in Anzac Day Win, But Fitness in Doubt for Next Week

Collingwood defeated Essendon by 77 points in the Anzac Day clash at the MCG on Saturday, April 25, 2026. The Magpies secured a dominant 20.17 (137) to 9.6 (60) victory, marking their fourth Anzac Day Medal win in franchise history. Scott Pendlebury delivered a masterclass performance in what may be one of his final seasons, collecting a career-high 43 disposals, two goals, 10 marks, four clearances and 19 score involvements. The veteran midfielder, just weeks away from breaking the V/AFL’s all-time games record, earned his first Anzac Day Medal in game number 81 and his fourth overall in game number 431. Despite a competitive first half where Essendon showed flashes of promise through youngsters Archer Day-Wicks, Josh Caddy and Isaac Kako, the Bombers faded dramatically after halftime. Archie Roberts was Essendon’s standout performer with 42 disposals and eight marks, but it wasn’t enough to withstand Collingwood’s second-half surge. The Pies broke open the game in the third quarter, with Pendlebury’s goal initiating a decisive run that shattered Essendon’s resistance. While the Bombers managed to limit the margin somewhat through inaccurate kicking by Collingwood in the final term, the 77-point deficit remains the largest in Anzac Day history. The result extends Collingwood’s strong start to the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season and highlights the enduring excellence of one of the league’s most decorated players. For Essendon, the loss underscores ongoing challenges as they rely on developing talent to compete against elite opposition.