Thrilling ANZAC Day contest marred by Scott Pendlebury booing controversy
After a week of controversy surrounding AFL fans' booing stars of the game, the ugly side of the game has reared its head once again in an ANZAC Day thriller.
Collingwood skipper Scott Pendlebury was outstanding all day and took home the ANZAC Day medal after a mammoth 38-disposal, seven-tackle outing as the Magpies escaped with a 10. 13. (73) to 10. 9. (69) win at the MCG.
However, after several contentious decisions went against the Bombers, fans took their anger out on Pendlebury, booing him throughout the entirety of his acceptance speech.
Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley was left incensed at the behaviour of the fans and berated them when it came time for his own speech.
Pendlebury was outstanding all day for the Magpies and finished with 38 disposals AAP
"Shame on anyone that booed a champion," Buckley told the fans.
However, Collingwood president Eddie McGuire defended the Essendon fans following the contest, saying the boos were out of frustration rather than personally aimed at the Magpies skipper.
"We have to get past this booing thing," McGuire told Fox Footy.
"Let's get it out of the game. The Bombers fans were so pent up they would have booed anything.
The Magpies were left breathing a major sigh of relief after surviving a heart-stopping finish. AAP
"Let's just assume it was pantomime. I don't think it was personal at Pendles, I don't think it was personal at the Collingwood Football Club. I think it was just pent up emotion.
"We have to stop it because what happened with Gary (Ablett), what happened with Adam Goodes, we don't need that stuff. We're a better crowd than that.
The Essendon people are fantastic, I've got no gripe against them. They did something that they probably think they shouldn't have done (but) let's not hang them for it.
"The day was too good to worry about the last bit."
Buckley slammed the actions of Bombers fans who booed inspirational skipper Scott Pendlebury AAP
Buckley's sentiment was also echoed by AFL legend Matthew Richardson who took to Twitter to voice his frustration.
"Couldn't believe my ears on the ground as (Scott Pendlebury) was booed accepting the medal today," Richardson wrote.
"Have some respect for an absolute champion. Disgrace."
Pendlebury also received support from inside the Magpies dressing room, with star midfielder Dayne Beams calling the jeers "ridiculous".
The Bombers launched a passionate fightback but fell ultimately short in a pulsating finish AAP
Unfortunately what the fiasco at the end of the game did was simply draw away from what was maybe one of the best ANZAC Day clashes of all time.
Collingwood burst out of the blocks early and overwhelmed Essendon with their characteristic pressure around the ground and took a 23-point lead into the first change.
The Magpies looked to be on the verge of blowing the game open in the second term when American big man Mason Cox kicked his second goal of the afternoon to give the favourites a 33-point lead.
However, from that point onward, Essendon launched an inspired fightback, kicking three consecutive goals to end the first half, highlighted by a 65m bomb from star forward Joe Daniher.
The second half continued to be a pulsating contest with both teams going goal for goal before the Magpies eventually prevailed.
In just his second game back after an extended layoff, Daniher appeared to be somewhere near his best with four goals and 16 disposals.
Star recruit Dylan Shiel was outstanding all day with 34 disposals but was wasteful with the ball, operating at just 59 percent efficiency for the afternoon, while skipper Dyson Heppell and Zach Merrett continued their strong seasons with 28 and 30 disposals, respectively.
Pendlebury was also assisted by Adam Treloar who finished with 31 disposals, while Jordan de Goey chipped in with two vital goals.
