‘No one wants to tell him’: Pies champion told his time is up
North Melbourne champion David King has called on Scott Pendlebury to hang the boots up on his illustrious career, and not push on into 2027.
The 38-year-old V/AFL games record holder reportedly wants to keep playing next season, but the Magpies internally aren’t completely sold on the idea.
Much to think about: Scott Pendlebury is only a “50-50” bet to play on next year. Getty Images
He is one of many veterans around the league weighing up their future as we approach the end of the year, with tough calls to make across the league.
Gold Coast are reportedly keen to bring Pendlebury to the club and have offered him a one-year playing contract with a transition into coaching after that.
However, King believes the midfielder, who has played 442 games, has had the perfect farewell tour and should call time.
This season, Pendlebury broke the V/AFL games record, won the Anzac Day Medal and has still been a strong contributor for Collingwood, averaging 22 disposals per game.
“I just feel like no one wants to tell him he’s done,” King told SEN.
“Like, who wants to be the guy who shoots Bambi? No one. (Coach) Craig McRae doesn’t want to do it, and I can understand that. I don’t even think (list manager) Justin Leppitsch wants to do it, and I can sort of understand that.
“But when you’ve been there 20 years and the club has been pretty good to you, I think there comes a time where you say ‘you know what, if this is how we are, let’s just agree to shake hands’.
“Have the perfect send off, you’ve got the record … there will be a role at any club you want, whatever that role is. He’s going to have a role in footy, wherever he wants it.
“I think the guys that are scared to call time are the ones that are going into the unknown and really unsure what the next part of their life is going to look like. He’s got some certainty. He could go into the media, he could get any club role.”
Pendlebury will miss Collingwood’s Wildcard Round clash with the Western Bulldogs on Friday night due to a knee injury.
If they lose and are eliminated, a retirement call would mean Pendlebury’s last game was round 24 against Brisbane.
There are several other veterans 34 and older around the competition with similar calls to make. Collingwood’s Steele Sidebottom, Adelaide’s Taylor Walker, West Coast’s Jamie Cripps and Melbourne’s Jake Melksham have all retired already.
Dayne Zorko (Brisbane)
If Pendlebury retires, 37-year-old Dayne Zorko will take the mantle as the game’s oldest current player. He has been hampered by injury this year, but remains a key part of Brisbane’s best side across half back.
Vedict: One more year
Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong)
The champion has already signed a one-year extension to stick around with Geelong in 2027.
Verdict: Locked in for 2027
Dame Rampe (Sydney)
Sydney’s veteran defender remains a reliable part of their back six. It will likely be his call on whether he goes around again. After four losing grand finals without a win, he will likely be frustrated by what has occurred at the Swans this month.
Verdict: Likely retiring
Collingwood’s Jeremy Howe will play on in 2027. Getty Images
Jeremy Howe (Collingwood)
Locked in to continue on with Collingwood in 2027.
Verdict: Re-signed
Rhys Stanley (Geelong)
The Geelong ruckman seems a certainty to hang up the boots after this finals campaign.
Verdict: Set to retire
Mason Cox (Fremantle)
Mason Cox has seemingly taken Sean Darcy’s spot in Fremantle’s best side and will likely go around again in 2027.
Verdict: One more year
Mark Blicavs (Geelong)
Geelong’s star utility still has some good footy left in him and will likely play on next season.
Verdict: One more year at least
Jack Gunston (Hawthorn)
After a late-career renaissance, Gunston is locked in to play in 2027 and continue his strong run of form.
Verdict: One more year
Max Gawn and Jordan Dawson at the All-Australian awards. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Max Gawn (Melbourne)
After picking up his record ninth All-Australian blazer on Monday, Gawn can continue playing as long as he wants.
Verdict: Gawn forever
Tom Liberatore (Western Bulldogs)
The Western Bulldogs midfielder’s battle with concussions has led to calls for him to hang up the boots, but he and the Dogs appear to want to continue on.
Verdict: Should retire, but likely won’t
Nick Haynes (Carlton)
Has been in Carlton’s best side all season and is all-but locked in to continue playing in 2027.
Verdict: One more year
Jack Darling (North Melbourne)
The veteran North Melbourne key forward seems likely to continue playing in 2027 after being a strong contributor for the Roos.
Verdict: One more year
Ryan Lester (Brisbane)
The ever-reliable defender has been on one-year contracts for most of his career and there’s no reason for that to change yet.
Verdict: One more year
