Pendlebury Contests Suspension
Collingwood midfielder Scott Pendlebury will challenge his one-match suspension at the AFL tribunal. The charge relates to rough conduct during an incident involving Adelaide's Josh Worrell in a recent match.
Pendlebury, who has played 427 games over 21 seasons, has never been suspended in his career. If the ban is upheld, he would miss the Magpies' game against GWS after their round-two bye.
"I have played 427 games. I have never been to the tribunal, so I don't know how it works. There is a good character clause. And I braced I was our go-to play off the back of the contest and I didn't realise we had hit. I took off."
Pendlebury is approaching Brent Harvey's AFL/VFL record of 432 matches this season.
AFL rules regarding character references were updated in 2024. Pendlebury may argue for a fine instead of a suspension under "exceptional and compelling circumstances." His only prior match review charge was a fine for an incident involving Lachie Neale in 2024.
Gulden Sidelined with Shoulder Injury
Sydney Swans player Errol Gulden will undergo surgery for a right shoulder injury and is expected to be unavailable for approximately four months. The injury occurred during the Swans' 44-point win against Brisbane.
Fellow star Isaac Heeney also sustained a hamstring injury in the same game.
A return in late July would provide Gulden with about one month to prepare for potential finals appearances.
Marshall Supports Ruck Partnership
St Kilda's Rowan Marshall expressed confidence in his ruck partnership with new recruit Tom De Koning. De Koning joined the Saints from Carlton as a restricted free agent. Marshall had previously sought a trade to Geelong, which was not granted.
Marshall has focused on developing his forward skills to complement De Koning in the ruck. He missed the recent loss to Melbourne due to concussion but anticipates returning for the upcoming match against GWS.
"It's still a work in progress, but we're really confident with the strides we made throughout the preseason. It's something I'm really confident will work."