BULLDOGS HISTORY ON OUR SIDE: PIES

SCOTT Pendlebury is unconcerned about the risk of Collingwood disrupting its momentum by recalling too many players for Friday’s qualifying final against Geelong.

The Magpies are expected to welcome back a number of players, including Jordan de Goey and Steele Sidebottom, while Jaidyn Stephenson is poised to return from suspension.

Pendlebury cited the example of the Western Bulldogs in 2016, who took advantage of the pre-finals bye and made five changes before their elimination final, including recalling four players in Tom Liberatore, Jack Macrae, Easton Wood and Jordan Roughead who had been injured.

“Oh, I don’t think it’s much of a risk,” Pendlebury said yesterday.

“I think you only have to look back to the Bulldogs and see what they brought. I think they brought (five) back and they finished (seventh) on the ladder.

“So our coaching staff will decide that, go out there and perform really well on Friday and whoever they pick we’ll make sure that we go out there and perform our roles for the team.”

Stephenson is likely to return to senior football after completing his 10-game AFL suspension before returning via the VFL.

Pendlebury emphasised the young forward didn’t “owe” his teammates anything.

“I don’t think he owes us anything,” he said.

“He’s just got to go out there and do his bit for the side, play his role and if he gets picked he’ll be a welcome inclusion.”

Collingwood has not played Geelong since the opening round, when the Cats won by seven points.

Pendlebury, who will play his 300th AFL game on Friday, said he was expecting a fierce contest with the minor premier.

“We haven’t had too much of a look at them just yet,” he said.

“So you know, they’re up and going, they’re fierce around the footy, they’re the best defensive side in the comp.

“They’ve got some electric midfielders so we know it’s going to be on for young and old and looking forward to it.”