AFL live updates: Scott Pendlebury to break games record, North Melbourne vs Gold Coast, Geelong vs Sydney, Collingwood vs West Coast, Port Adelaide vs Carlton

It’s another free kick, not sure what that one was for. Bit of a hold off the ball by Logue, I guess that’s fair enough. Hot whistle at the moment.

King extends his Coleman lead with his first of the afternoon.

Bit of an interesting free kick there, as Bodhi Uwland moved Darling under the ball with his body (and maybe a hand, to be fair) and was called for a push in the back. Sometimes they’re called, sometimes they’re not.

Darling nailed the set shot and the Roos are away.

North have blown a few positives move going forward with a poor final ball, either by hand or foot. The Suns haven’t been perfect themselves but are certainly looking more polished inside 50.

Lombard broke the line with his run then handballed inside to Miller, who snapped nicely. Suns get the jump.

The turnover came from a one-handed pluck by Petracca in the middle of the ground, which gave Rowell the chance to hit up Walter in space.

Jed Walter is starting to find some form at this level, and you feel like he’s got a big game coming soon.

The ball movement was quite slow and steady from the Suns there, chipping the ball forward until Powell marked about 60 from goal. Not many would be eyeing the goals from there, but Powell always knew he had the journey.

He’s absolutely flushed that one, at least 55 metres. Huge kick.

You would have to think if North Melbourne want to present as a genuine finals chance, this is the sort of game they need to win. In saying that, they did beat the Suns at this ground last season so maybe nothing really means anything at all.

Could be a decent game though under the lid. Just about ready for launch.

No late changes for either side.

North made one change this week, bringing Riley Hardeman in for the dropped Tom Blamires. The Suns have lost Will Graham and Lachie Weller to injury, and have replaced them with Sam Clohesy and Ben Long.

We’re about 15 minutes from the bounce (throw, whatever) in this one.

Hello and welcome back to ABC Sport’s live blog coverage of the 2026 AFL season. Or perhaps more accurately, welcome to ABC Sport’s live blog coverage of Scott Pendlebury day.

That’s right, the Collingwood veteran today breaks the V/AFL games record. It’s an occasion so big you can see it from space, and the Pies have pulled out all the stops to try make this day as special and lucrative as possible. They play the Eagles, whom they assume to be an easy kill and sideshow to the celebrations, and all eyes will be on Scott and his golden number 10 guernsey.

But that’s not all! North Melbourne can make a statement today against Gold Coast! Two of the best teams in the league in Geelong and Sydney are playing at the same time as the Pendlebury game! One of Port Adelaide and Carlton will win a game!

There’s almost too much happening. Lucky the blog will be here throughout to bring the best of it straight to you.