Cats coach Chris Scott couldn’t resist paying tribute to Tom Stewart after his 200th game tonight.
Scott took the time to reflect on how highly he values Stewart and how versatile defender found his love for football again after losing it in his teenage years.
“You are not supposed to have favourites as a coach, but he is clearly one of mine,” Scott said.
“I don’t follow all the things that are written, but I imagine it has been a pretty easy story to write.
Magpies coach Craig McRae still thinks his group can turn their season around, despite some tough losses to leading sides Geelong and the Brisbane Lions.
“We have played Brisbane and Geelong, last year’s grand finalists, and we haven’t been up to that level – yet,” McRae said.
“There are parts of their game challenging us more than other teams. What is it? Round nine? It’s nice to know this stuff now and get to work on it.
“We will do that.”
Collingwood coach Craig McRae has confirmed that Scott Pendlebury won’t play in Sydney next week, despite tonight’s loss.
McRae said he wasn’t going to change that plan and would pick 23 fit players for the Sydney clash, which will be played on a short turnaround.
Then they’ll bring Pendlebury back for his record-breaking game at the MCG the following week.
“He won’t play next week,” McRae said.
The Pies’ coach didn’t rule out resting Steele Sidebottom, but said he would wait to hear what the GPS figures were from tonight’s match before making a call.
Former Collingwood captain and coach turned Geelong assistant Nathan Buckley took a moment to congratulate his former teammate and charge Scott Pendlebury post-game.
Pendlebury kicked a goal with his first kick in AFL footy back in 2006. The man who delivered him the pass? Nathan Buckley.
Cats star Jeremy Cameron said tonight’s win was the best performance from his side so far in 2026.
“I think so. We’ve been chipping away and working on a few layers to our game and trying to do it for four quarters,” Cameron, who had 19 touches and a goal, told Kayo Sports.
“Tonight was the closest we’ve got to that, and we’ve still got things to sharpen up on. That was a good result.”
A disappointed Scott Pendlebury isn’t happy about the loss to Geelong and wants fans to know he is focused on playing well beyond the games record - whenever it happens.
“That’s the thing I that I feel like people have missed, it’s post that [the record] as I’m not just playing on more game,” Pendlebury told Kayo Sports.
“But I have to get going as they are lining up for Tommy Stewart.”
Earlier in the interview, Pendlebury expressed his frustration about the loss.
Geelong have ruined Scott Pendlebury’s record-equalling night, thumping Collingwood by 54 points to celebrate Tom Stewart’s 200th game in style at the MCG.
The Pies’ heavy loss – 18.14 (122) to 9.14 (68) – was compounded by a concussion to captain Darcy Moore, who will miss the club’s blockbuster clash with Sydney on Friday night.
Collingwood’s warts were on show on a dirty night in which they were comprehensively outplayed by Chris Scott’s men.
Cats star Tom Stewart has offered a heartfelt thanks to all the people who helped him get to the AFL as he reached his 200th game tonight.
Stewart was a mature-age signing from South Barwon who worked as a carpenter along with starring in local footy before being recruited to the Cats VFL side and then the AFL list.
“I don’t think people quite understand when I do say I’m living my dream because I am,” Stewart told Kayo Sports.
“It might sound like I’m taking the piss, but I’m so grateful to be at this footy club and every day is special to me.
Ollie Henry polished off the win for the Cats with his fourth goal as he flew for a mark, dropped it, and then grabbed it off the ground to boot it home.
Bailey Smith has posted 39 disposals and a heap of score assists, while the Magpies have paid dearly for missing so many set shots at goal.
The Cats look to be hitting their straps after some inconsistent form early this season while the questions around the Pies will only grow louder.
Jack Bowes kicked a goal on the siren just to put the cherry on the sundae.