CTV> Cameron Wood speaks to CTV after the game before returning home to Melbourne CTV> Watch Mark Neeld address the media after the 62 point win against West CoastSCOTT Pendlebury has forecast close to full-strength Collingwood outfits for the remainder of its NAB Cup campaign following his side's 62-point demolition of West Coast on Saturday night.
The ruthless Magpies, led chiefly by a superb Pendlebury (31 possessions), tore a young West Coast apart on Subiaco Oval with a side very close to that which reached last year's semi-final.
Of the side's best line-up only Anthony Rocca and Paul Medhurst were missing, while Heath Shaw and Alan Didak were welcomed back after missing the last six weeks of the 2008 season.
Pendlebury played down the benefits of NAB Cup success, but indicated Collingwood would continue to field strong teams.
"We've got a pretty strong squad to pick from and everyone's fit, so everyone put their hands up to play," he told afl.com.au after the match.
"We don't play again for three weeks so everyone should be able to recover in time and get back up."
"Obviously there will be a few changes to give guys goes in different roles, but I'm pretty sure there'll be another good performance next time.
"I suppose it's just a good opportunity to get out there and practice what we've been doing all summer”.
While modest on the subject of his own performance, only teammates Alan Didak and Tarkyn Lockyer would have challenged Pendlebury for best on ground honours.
The 21-year-old constantly found space through the midfield, was faultless with his disposal and pushed forward to send the ball inside 50 a match-high six times.
"It wasn't too bad," he said. "Individually, in these kinds of games you just want to test out your fitness and see where you're at. But ... it's the NAB Cup so you can't get too carried away."
However, the classy left-footer was more than happy to rejoice in the return of Shaw (26 possessions) and Didak (30) after the duo showed the class Collingwood missed towards the end of last season.
"It was good to have them back," Pendlebury said. "I think last year the message hit home.
“They've been fantastic this pre-season, they've done everything that's been asked of them and tonight was just a by-product of how hard they've worked all summer.
"They use the footy so well and they both talk a lot around the ground, so they helped everyone out."
Steele Sidebottom was a late withdrawal from the travelling Magpies, but Pendlebury said this season's recruits had all put in impressive pre-seasons and would push for selection when the side takes on either Fremantle or Richmond in round two of the pre-season competition.
"I think there are a number of guys that could consider themselves unlucky," he said, “but I'm sure they'll all get a go through the NAB Cup."
