Why Collingwood captain's runner-up speech has divided fans
Fans have praised Scott Pendlebury for his runner-up speech after a heartbreaking grand final loss, but some aren’t happy with it.
West Coast prevailed in controversial circumstances in Saturday’s AFL grand final, pipping the Pies by just five points.
But despite the controversial finish, Pendlebury was classy and humble in defeat.
“It was an unbelievable experience out here today,” he said.
“To West Coast – you were too good today.
“Well done, enjoy the victory.”
Although Pendlebury’s speech was short and sweet, fans took to social media to commend him.
Pendlebury spoke like a pure professional…. absolute champ … well done.
— Bouta (@BoutaNT1976) September 29, 2018
So will Pendlebury be slammed for his short speech the way Tex was? Nup. And nor should he.#AFLGrandFinal
— Chris Kenny (@chriskkenny) September 29, 2018
Pendlebury showing Tex how a speech should go
— Bec (@becmeatsix) September 29, 2018
Pendlebury is all class. #AFLGF
— Play On (@playonfootypod) September 29, 2018
However some fans weren’t happy about the roughly 10-second effort, pointing out that Adelaide captain Taylor Walker was slammed last year for a similar-length speech.
Pendlebury worse than Walker. Terrible leader. #AFLGF #victoria
— _ (@Jrizzle172) September 29, 2018
Pendlebury didnt thank the club, thw sponsors etc. It was 20 seconds long. He needed to show leadership.
— Kat Dumont (@Kat_Dumont) September 29, 2018
Pendlebury’s speech shorter than Tex’s last year. Let the haters hate #toomanyflogsontwitter
— AJ (@andrewjay_4) September 29, 2018
Pendlebury’s speech vs Shuey’s… shows who deserved the accolades today #AFLGF
— Ñîçhöłäß (@nickjmb) September 29, 2018
Walker speech v Pendlebury speech 🤷🏼♂️ what was the difference?
— Tatts (@tatts37) September 29, 2018
Using the Taylor Walker scale of speeches I expect there will be universal condemnation for Pendlebury’s 7-second effort??
— Red Eagle 🦅 (@redcrow_28) September 29, 2018
For those who didn't catch Scott Pendlebury speech here's a recap #AFLGF pic.twitter.com/y6WFYo3IbK
— Mo (@MJEagle23) September 29, 2018
Sad that football is based on the players skill in footy not public speaking maybe Pendlebury should spend a bit more time with a ball and less with a mic haha
— Cam (@cameronclark492) September 29, 2018
Dom Sheed’s nerveless goal from an acute angle with two minutes left put the Eagles ahead and they held on to win 11.13 (79) to 11.8 (74).
It is the Eagles’ first flag since 2006 and they have laid to rest the ghosts of their horror grand final loss three years ago to Hawthorn.
Eagles midfielder Luke Shuey won the Norm Smith medal for best afield with 34 possessions, 19 of them contested.
He also took a crucial mark in the last minute as Collingwood desperately tried to clear out of defence for one final scoring chance.
with AAP