Even some Collingwood supporters are getting excited for Harley Reid’s milestone match, as the AFL community shared its thoughts on The West Australian’s back page.
It’s not often a match between the 11th and 15th-ranked sides can garner blockbuster billing, but Collingwood champion Scott Pendlebury’s efforts to break the AFL’s all-time games record is expected to draw a sellout crowd as they take on West Coast at the MCG on Saturday.
The Pies have carefully managed Pendlebury this season to ensure he breaks the record at his home ground, a move which has been seen as disrespectful by some, with accusations that they have handpicked a struggling Eagles to ensure he could walk away with victory.
Pendlebury will also wear a special gold No.10 guernsey, featuring a ‘SP433’ symbol, with the Pies hero to receive 100 per cent of all merchandising proceeds.
However, the Eagles’ stunning upset of GWS may have thrown a spanner in the works with talisman Reid coming off a career-best game as he prepares to play his 50th AFL game in the same match.
The West Australian was keen to highlight this fact, with ex-AFL player turned podcaster Dan Gorridge loving the rev up on the back page.
“You know who’s not taking any part in the Pendle party, WA,” he said on Instagram.
“They’re making it all about Harley. That’s huge. That’s war.
“If Harley rocks out with a gold nine on his back because of his 50th, it’ll be the best s***housery moment we’ve ever seen, and I hope the AFL approve it
“If one guy can get a gold number, why can’t the other guy in his milestone game? Both milestone games give Harley a gold No.9.”
While it clearly went over the head of some one-eyed supporters, even some Pies fans found enjoyment in the light-hearted ribbing.
“Being a Pies supporter, too funny by the WA press, that’s great.. what a build up lol,” one X, formerly Twitter, user said.
“Honestly, this is at least funny! Better than people sooking about Pendles daily. Fair play West Australian,” another wrote.
Some were concerned by the joke being missed by a fair portion of AFL fans.
“We all know this is obvious tongue in cheek, but watch the VFL morons lose their minds about it,” one wrote.
“It’s concerning how many people don’t understand the satire,” said.
Others were more than happy to play up the contest with West Coast fans hoping the Eagles can be the ultimate party poo
“Harley probably already travelled further in 50 games then Pendlebury’s career,” was one comment on Gorringe’s video.
“Harley player of the match in an Eagles upset gonna feed generations,” another wrote.
“Collingwood resting Pendlebury until this game, is pure arrogance. I hope Harley wears a gold 9 regardless of approval or not,” another said.
