Harley Reid says he’s bracing for ‘90,000 boos’ as his Eagles look to embrace the role of party poopers at Scott Pendlebury’s record-breaking match at the MCG on Saturday.

West Coast will be cast in the role of villains as Collingwood celebrate Pendlebury breaking the all-time AFL/VFL games record with his 433rd appearance. The fixture is set to thrust the Eagles in front of their biggest-ever crowd for a home-and-away clash, and will likely be their largest outside of the six grand finals they’ve played at the MCG.

Fresh off a starring performance in his team’s boilover win against GWS, Reid said his side would not shirk the task as they look to trigger another big upset in front of the Magpie Army.

“I’ll probably be copping 90,000 boos. We’ll see how we go,” Reid said on Seven.

“It’s huge for the AFL world. Scott Pendlebury is a well-respected player – what he’s done for the game is amazing.

“We’re all going to be super grateful to be able to have that opportunity to go out there and play in front of 90,000 or however many there will be.

“But we won’t take a backward step. We’ll hopefully go out there, play to our strengths and bring consistent four-quarter footy.”

It comes as Eagles coach Andrew McQualter said he had spoken to the players about the Magpies clash in the moments after Sunday’s win, and urged them to embrace the “really special occasion”.

“What an opportunity. The biggest thing that is now required is our preparation, starting from now, ensures that we turn up ready to play in six days’ time and put on a performance to try to beat the Pies. That’s the most important part,” McQualter said.

“Yes, it’s great to play in these games, but these are the games you want to perform in. We haven’t had the opportunity to play in many massive games in my time, but it will be one next week and we look forward to it.”

The coach said his team’s preparation would remain the same as they hunt their first win at the MCG for more than five years.

“Guys will handle it a bit differently. We’ll ensure that the emotions don’t get too high because 90,000 Pies fans can be loud,” McQualter said.

“But we’ll have our fair share there that turn up as well. We’ve got a great contingent of fan base over there in Melbourne and people who travel with us.”