‘Just 50-50’: Pendlebury’s future on knife edge, as Butters’ snub hurts Magpies

Collingwood coach Craig McRae has conceded for the first time that Scott Pendlebury may not be at the club next year, and has urged the Magpies to learn from being snubbed by Port Adelaide star Zak Butters.

Pendlebury, 38, has been ruled out of Friday night’s wildcard clash against the Western Bulldogs because of a hamstring strain, and could have played his last game for the club as the former skipper is off contract and has yet to be offered a new deal.

In an expansive interview on Wednesday, McRae revealed he has had “multiple” chats with Pendlebury since Saturday after the sport’s games record holder was injured against the Brisbane Lions, admitting on Wednesday that the decorated midfielder was “50-50″ to remain at the club for a 22nd season. He is also weighing the possibility of playing elsewhere.

The Magpies have told Pendlebury he must be confident he can play at a certain level to play on, but McRae insists there is no “friction” between Pendlebury, his manager Anthony Panozzo of Hemisphere Sports, and the Magpies. Hemisphere Sports was contacted for comment.

AFL great Leigh Matthews, who coached McRae to three flags when with the Brisbane Lions, said on the weekend that a final decision could not be left in the hands of any player.

“I heard some narrative about Pendles, letting the player, sorry, just letting the player dictate their own decisions for their future, and some commentary that they’ll just play forever,” McRae said.

“Having this conversation with Pendles the last four or five years around what’s best for him and what’s best for us, gives me great comfort that he’ll do what is best for the footy club, and also he won’t go on and play in my eyes the conversation unless he can perform at a certain level.

“So, that gives me great comfort. So hey: ‘Over to you, mate. You make those decisions when you think they’re appropriate’.”

McRae said the final decision would not entirely be made by Pendlebury.

“No, not entirely, but mostly led by conversations with him, we’re an open dialogue around that. I’m giving him some space as he’s requested, and he’ll make the decision at the end of the year,” McRae said.

Asked what he thought Pendlebury would do, McRae replied: “It’s probably just 50-50 to be honest. I can see opportunities for him to play on, and retire. I am sure he is weighing a lot of those things.”

McRae said it was up to Pendlebury, who has played 17 games this season, to determine whether his body could handle the rigours of another season.

“Well, it’s up to him in terms of whether he thinks he’s fit and viable to be able to perform at a level that is at that level. Only he knows it. He knows his body better than anyone else,” McRae said.

The 2023 premiership coach denied there was any friction between the club and the dual premiership player.