‘He looks finished’: Kane Cornes fears Collingwood veteran Scott Pendlebury’s career is done

As they say, Father Time is unstoppable. And according to Kane Cornes, that proverb might serve as a sobering reality check for Collingwood veteran Scott Pendlebury. It comes after the Pies lost to St Kilda by 15 points on Thursday night at the MCG, their third straight loss to begin their title defence.

For the first time in the twenty-first century, the Pies’ season has begun with a 0-3. The focus now is on Collingwood’s veterans, including 36-year-old Pendlebury, who may reach the 400-game mark in 2024.

In an effort to recover from their disastrous start to 2024, Cornes has urged the Pies to reconsider Pendlebury’s position. “Pendlebury will be completed eventually. To me, he seems finished,” Cornes remarked on Friday on SEN Radio. “I believe that frequently going to ground, showing a lack of readiness for contact, and searching for inexpensive free kicks are the first indications that your time is running out. “I’m seeing that with Scott at the moment.”

Nevertheless, Pendlebury has amassed a number of disposals in his first three games. He tallied 26 touches in the first round, 18 in the first round, and 20 on Thursday night against Pendlebury. But Cornes didn’t simply target the two-time Premiership veteran.

In addition, he asked Pies head coach Craig McRae to evaluate his other players, most notably Nick Daicos, who has been having trouble regaining the confidence that propelled him to success in 2023. “Nick Daicos exhibited timidity. I understand that critique; he hasn’t likely taken many hits in 50 games, and it’s difficult to call him out because of his consistency,” Cornes remarked. He was shy in the competition, though. He fumbled, missed tackles, and exhibited jitteriness.

“Jordan De Goey exhibits jitters. Instead of using his entire body, Steele Sidebottom retreats with just one hand, costing them a goal. The 2023 grand final rematch between Collingwood and Brisbane will now take place on Thursday night at the Gabba. Before the game, neither team has a win.