Magpies work to overcome mental lapses

Scott Pendlebury says Collingwood must eradicate the costly lapses in concentration that have stalled the Magpies’ AFL season.

Collingwood’s impressive start to their campaign has been soured by losses to Geelong and Richmond in the past fortnight with Nathan Buckley’s side conceding bursts of unanswered goals in each match.

Pendlebury said the Pies weren’t over-complicating the issue before them.

“It’s a pretty simple solution – just win the footy,” Pendlebury said on Thursday.

“Just win the footy back and be composed when we do get it back.

“We’ve been in games, but when you give sides run-ons that big it gives them a lot of confidence to know that their brand of footy is working.

“We just need to address those run-ons and find a way to make them two or three-goal run-ons before we get our next goal.”

Pendlebury will play his 200th AFL game when the Pies take on Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium on Saturday and the 27-year-old admitted the milestone had crept up on him.

“When you start your career you always get told that it flies by,” he said.

“It probably means I’ve played more games than I’ve got left, but I’d like to think I’ve got another 200 in me.

“(But) what I’ve done in the past means nothing this week – I’ve got to go out there and get a kick on the weekend and perform my role for the team – that’s always been my focus.” Pendlebury said Suns coach Rodney Eade, who left Collingwood to take up the role, would be able to give his players a rare insight into how the Pies approach the match.

But with just one win on the board after seven rounds, it’s been a baptism of fire for Eade.

“They’re probably adjusting to how Rocket wants them to play,” Pendlebury said.

“And obviously they’ve been pretty hard hit by injuries, but they look like they’re getting a bit of momentum back.

“They run pretty hard and they’ve certainly got a lot of talent.

“We’ve got to be on our game this week to nullify their strengths because when they’re up and going they’re a very talented side.”

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