Collingwood great Scott Pendlebury caught in X-rated Anzac Day moment

During a moving ceremony for this year’s Anzac Day game at the MCG, a Collingwood great was spotted making a shock comment.

Collingwood’s all-time great Scott Pendlebury was caught making an expletive-laden comment during the Anzac Day ceremony at the MCG.

The Pies and Bombers are meeting in the annual April 25 match in Melbourne, a tradition that has been taking place since back in 1995.

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The 36-year-old Pendlebury has played the second most Anzac Day matches in history, with his 16th appearance on Thursday second only to Essendon legend Dustin Fletcher’s 18.

It’s typically a moving day in front of a packed crowd at the MCG and this edition would end in a thrilling draw, 12.13 (85) to 12.13 (85).

“They feel like the most unifying minutes we have as a country for the year,” Gerard Whateley said on AFL Nation during the moving ceremony.

Scott Pendlebury during the Anzac Day ceremony. Photos: Fox Sports/News Corp

Part of the pre-match ceremony includes a formation of fighter jets flying directly over the stadium, which make a huge amount of noise and can catch unsuspecting people by surprise.

Despite his knowledge of the game and the ceremony, Pendlebury was one of those people on Thursday when he was spotted on camera during the Australian National Anthem.

As you can see in the video player above, Pendlebury turned to fellow veteran Steele Sidebottom and seemed to utter: “I f**king s**t myself,” as the planes flew over, before gesturing to the sky.

Very few players from either team sang the Australian National Anthem, in somewhat of a surprise.

Only a very small handful of players were seen attempting to utter the words.

Jets fly over the MCG during the ceremony. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

An ANZAC Day parade for veterans held prior to the AFL. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

“AFL players, any chance they can respect the national anthem rather than chatting between themselves?” was one comment on X, formerly Twitter.

It was otherwise a respectful scene and Collingwood coach Craig McRae became caught up in the moment prior to the opening bounce.

An emotional McRae had to pause an interview on the boundary line.

“That was incredible,” he said before choking up on Channel 7 following the ceremony. “Yeah, just to be there, present, quite emotional to be honest.

“Just a privilege, you know? To be grateful to be (here) on this day. Sorry.”

Respect 🤝#AFLDonsPiespic.twitter.com/PK6i452m9V

— AFL (@AFL) April 25, 2024

Despite his pre-match faux pas, Pendlebury had the opportunity to set a remarkable milestone during the game.

In his 390th game, the veteran came into the fixture on 9,995 disposals for his career, which is already the AFL record.

That meant he would take precious time to become the first player in history to chalk up five figures for possessions.

“A goal would be nice or I might have to steal a kick out from Nick Daicos so it’s something memorable,” he said pre-match of his 10,000th touch.

“I don’t want a handball out of a stoppage.”

It didn’t quite go his way, as the milestone came via a handball coming out of the Pies’ defensive arc.

The Bombers got off to a fast start. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Speaking on the Collingwood website in the built-up to the game, McRae said he would be leaning on his experienced players.

“As a first-year coach last year, I was just in awe of the group’s ability to continue to turn up on the big stage,” said McRae.

“Pendles and Steele Sidebottom (have) huge experience in that. They pass those experiences down to others.

“Last year we played the minutes, not the occasion. This year, we’ll play the minutes, not the occasion.”

In 2023, Collingwood came from behind at the last change to win the Anzac clash by 13 points.

This year, the Bombers made a sensational start, kicking the first four goals and six goals to two at quarter-time.

Collingwood worked its way into the game, however, and at halftime Essendon led by a solitary point, 7.6 (48) to 6.11 (47).

It ended up being an Anzac Day classic and for only the second time, joining the inaugural fixture back in 1995, the teams split the points.

Originally published as Collingwood great Scott Pendlebury caught in X-rated Anzac Day moment