West Coast coach Andrew McQualter is embracing the role of party pooper as his Eagles prepare to play in front of the club’s biggest-ever home-and-away audience as Collingwood champion Scott Pendlebury breaks the AFL’s games record.
The Eagles, who have adopted the name Walitij Marawar for Sir Doug Nicholls Round, face the Pies at the MCG on Saturday with upwards of 90,000 fans expected to pack into the home of footy to watch Pendlebury reach game 433, surpassing North Melbourne legend Brent Harvey’s mark of 432.
The 38-year-old will don a gold number for the occasion with Collingwood, ensuring their superstar is duly celebrated for his monumental achievement and career.
However, McQualter said he was eager to ensure the veteran didn’t have everything his own way, telling his charges to embrace the occasion as well.
“(Spoiling Pendlebury’s party) is what our intentions will be,” he told 7NEWS on Monday night.
“I spoke to the players post-game about what an opportunity it will be to play in front of a big crowd.
“But our job is to prepare the best we can this week and prepare our players in the manner to beat Collingwood. That’s going to be our aim there on Saturday afternoon.”
Saturday is also set to draw the biggest crowd the Eagles have played in front of baring finals with their previous high 62,957 against the Pies at the same venue in 2012.
A lot has been made of the efforts Collingwood has gone to to ensure the milestone is marked in front of the Magpie army, after he was rested from the club’s loss to Sydney on Friday.
McQualter said he had no issues with his side being almost selected as the opponent for Pendlebury’s record-breaking match and said while he was glad the moment would be marked, he wanted to “ruin” the Pies’ day.
“There’s a little bit in the (celebrations) we can use for sure. I am all for celebrating the occasion, I think it’s an incredible achievement, possibly never to be done again,” he said.
“He’s had a hell of a career, and we look forward to celebrating and then ruining the day all the same.”
The Eagles will enter the game with some confidence after their 17-point upset victory over the Giants on Sunday, as well as a positive second half against Melbourne at Marvel Stadium the week before.
The match will also be rising superstar Harley Reid’s 50th for the Eagles after being taken with the No.1 draft pick in 2023.
