Scott Pendlebury avoids surgery on broken finger sustained in International Rules clash

SCOTT Pendlebury and Collingwood have been buoyed by the news the star midfielder won’t need surgery on his broken finger, while Joel Selwood is expected to play in the second International Rules series clash.

Joel Selwood was a late withdrawal from the first match against Ireland. Picture: Getty

SCOTT Pendlebury’s broken finger has dealt Collingwood a frustrating pre-season setback and raised fresh questions over the merit of the International Rules series.

The Collingwood star cracked the middle finger on his left hand as he laid a tackle in the second term of Australia’s 10-point win over Ireland in Adelaide on Sunday.

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But the superstar midfielder was on Sunday night buoyed by the results of scans which showed the damage was relatively minor.

The Herald Sun understands Pendlebury has avoided any serious tendon complications and will not need surgery to repair his finger.

Only minor little injury tonight! Great to get the result tonight, loved pulling on the Aus jumper.

— Scott Pendlebury (@SP_10) November 12, 2017

He is expected to make a full recovery within the next four to six weeks.

However, the five-time All-Australian will be prevented from doing any marking or ball-handling work over the next month to assist his recovery.

Pendlebury stayed on the ground in the immediate aftermath of the injury and even took a one-handed mark before leaving the ground for treatment.

The moment Scott Pendlebury broke his finger. Picture: Getty

Irish speedster Pearce Hanley (Gold Coast) also suffered a broken hand on Sunday and will miss the second Test in Perth on Saturday.

Pendlebury’s latest finger injury comes only four months after he shattered the middle finger on his other hand — his right hand — in two places against Gold Coast in Round 17, ending his season early.

Scott Pendlebury should never tackle again. It obviously does not agree with him 🙅🏼🙅🏼 #VirginIRS #AUSvIRE

— Kate Salemme (@KateSalemme) November 12, 2017

But the Pies were on Sunday night glad the latest setback was much less severe after getting his hand stuck in an opponent’s jumper in a tackling attempt.

While the players have strongly supported the International Rules this year, the injuries will reignite debate about whether the series puts the competition’s superstars at unnecessary risk of injury in the exhibition matches.

Richmond’s champion trio Dustin Martin, Alex Rance and Trent Cotchin all gave it a miss after the Tigers’ stunning premiership win.

Scott Pendlebury was starring before suffering an injury. Picture: Sarah Reed

Carlton’s Kade Simpson had treatment for a knock to the shin, while Geelong captain Joel Selwood (ankle) was a late withdrawal.

Brisbane Lions star Dayne Zorko received treatment on his back.

Geelong captain Joel Selwood expects to play in next Saturday night’s second International Rules clash after missing the first clash with an ankle injury.

Selwood was a late withdrawal from the match on Sunday.

The Cats star said the syndesmosis ankle injury he sustained late in the AFL season had caused him some discomfort.

Joel Selwood was a late withdrawal from the first match against Ireland. Picture: Getty

Selwood will train this week with a view to playing at Subiaco on Saturday night.

“I was a little bit tight, my preparation was a little slower than the boys after the season,” he told Channel 7.

“Off the back of the ankle injury towards the end of the season, it was a little bit of a limp in. “I’m feeling pretty good with the training. I get another week of training heading into next week, which I look forward to playing.”

Originally published as Scott Pendlebury avoids surgery on broken finger sustained in International Rules clash