Even some Collingwood supporters are getting excited for Harley Reid’s milestone match, as the AFL community shared its thoughts on The West Australian’s back page. It’s not often a match between the 11th and 15th-ranked sides can garner blockbuster billing, but Collingwood champion Scott Pendlebury’s efforts to break the AFL’s all-time games record is expected to draw a sellout crowd as they take on West Coast at the MCG on Saturday. The Pies have carefully managed Pendlebury this season to ensure he breaks the record
at his home ground, a move which has been seen as disrespectful by some, with accusations that they have handpicked a struggling Eagles to ensure he could walk away with victory. Pendlebury will also wear a special gold No.10 guernsey, featuring a ‘SP433’ symbol, with the Pies hero to receive 100 per cent of all merchandising proceeds. However, the Eagles’ stunning upset of GWS may have thrown a spanner in the works with talisman Reid coming off a career-best game as he prepares to play
his 50th AFL game in the same match. The West Australian was keen to highlight this fact, with ex-AFL player turned podcaster Dan Gorridge loving the rev up on the back page. “You know who’s not taking any part in the Pendle party, WA,” he said on Instagram. “They’re making it all about Harley. That’s huge. That’s war. “If Harley rocks out with a gold nine on his back because of his 50th, it’ll be the best s***housery moment we’ve ever seen, and I hope
the AFL approve it “If one guy can get a gold number, why can’t the other guy in his milestone game? Both milestone games give Harley a gold No.9.” While it clearly went over the head of some one-eyed supporters, even some Pies fans found enjoyment in the light-hearted ribbing. “Being a Pies supporter, too funny by the WA press, that’s great. what a build up lol,” one X, formerly Twitter, user said. “Honestly, this is at least funny! Better than people sooking about Pendles
daily. Fair play West Australian,” another wrote. Some were concerned by the joke being missed by a fair portion of AFL fans. “We all know this is obvious tongue in cheek, but watch the VFL morons lose their minds about it,” one wrote. “It’s concerning how many people don’t understand the satire,” said. Others were more than happy to play up the contest with West Coast fans hoping the Eagles can be the ultimate party poo “Harley probably already travelled further in 50 games then
Pendlebury’s career,” was one comment on Gorringe’s video. “Harley player of the match in an Eagles upset gonna feed generations,” another wrote. “Collingwood resting Pendlebury until this game, is pure arrogance. I hope Harley wears a gold 9 regardless of approval or not,” another said.
Harley Reid, Scott Pendlebury, Collingwood, West Coast, MCG, Harley milestone, Pendlebury all-time games record, gold guernsey, SP433, AFL fans debate, The West Australian back page
Gold number stuff is dumb lol just let them play.
Wait so they’re putting Harley in gold because it’s his 50th? But then also gold for Pendles? I don’t get why the West Australian is making it a whole “war” thing. Sounds like clickbait to me.
Pendlebury wearing special gold 10 jersey is disrespectful?? Like, how is that disrespect, he’s literally a player. Also people keep saying “Eagles upset” like it’s gonna happen just cuz Harley had a good game. Not how football works.
The satire is gonna go over people’s heads because everyone is already mad about everything. I saw someone say it’s “best sh*thouse moment ever” and I’m like wow y’all are wild. Also why is it always about guernseys and numbers, can’t they just focus on winning? If West Coast beats them I swear the internet will never shut up, and if not then everyone will pretend they never cared.