Pendlebury grilled on shock Pies departure and Suns move
Updated . First published
Collingwood champion Scott Pendlebury will depart the club and join Gold Coast as an unrestricted free agent.
Pendlebury, the V/AFL all-time games record holder, has played 442 games for the Magpies since being selected in the 2005 draft.
Tim Membrey is consoled by teammate Scott Pendlebury. AFL Photos
However, he will not finish his career a one-club player. Instead, he will join Damien Hardwick’s Suns as he looks to extend his career and cross 450 games.
Pendlebury did not play in Collingwood’s season-ending loss to the Western Bulldogs on Friday night due to a knee injury.
The Magpies were reportedly torn on whether to extend the 38-year-old’s career, despite the midfielder wanting to play on in 2027.
Gold Coast moved aggressively to win Pendlebury over, while Essendon also reportedly offered him the chance to play on.
Confirming the news on Saturday afternoon, Pendlebury said the call to move on was extremely difficult.
“For the past 21 years, it’s been an incredible privilege to be a Collingwood footballer. From walking in the doors as a 17-year-old, to seeing the way everyone at the club has welcomed and embraced my family over all these years is something that is truly special,” Pendlebury said via a statement.
“I’ve spent the majority of my life here and so many of my best memories have come through being part of Collingwood. The friendships, the challenges, the successes and even the tough times have all shaped who I am.
“This decision has not come lightly, but I know this is the best thing for me and my family as I transition into the next phase of my football journey.”
9News Melbourne’s Owen Leonard is reporting that the Suns have a four-year offer in front of him, two as a player followed by two as an assistant coach. This could see him playing into his 40s.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday afternoon, Pendlebury was asked directly if he had hoped to finish his career at Collingwood.
“The ability to sit down with the club and have a mature conversation about what’s best for the club and what’s best for me and my family, it was amazing and respectful,” Pendlebury told reporters.
Steele Sidebottom and Scott Pendlebury’s Collingwood careers are over. AFL Photos
“I couldn’t be more thankful to have the club’s support to do what I’m doing.
“It all came together pretty late in the piece.”
Asked why he has chosen Gold Coast, Pendlebury ultimately opted against answering the question.
“It’s the only club that showed interest,” Pendlebury joked.
Pendlebury showed some great form in 2026, winning the Anzac Day Medal against Essendon and consistently being among the club’s best midfielders.
He was managed at several points throughout the season, but not in a dead-rubber round 24 game where the knee injury occurred.
Collingwood farewelled veteran Steele Sidebottom on Friday night, with the star midfielder announcing his retirement.
Notably, as Sidebottom was farewelled through a guard of honour by both teams, Pendlebury watched in the background alongside teammate Jeremy Howe.
Given Collingwood’s season is over, he will now not get the same lavish farewell.
“I wanted to make sure Sidebottom had that moment walking off with his kids, that was beautiful, and I didn’t want to distract from that at all,” Pendlebury said.
“I certainly took a moment to look up and appreciate the crowd.”
Sidebottom and Pendlebury have been foundation pieces for the Pies for nearly two whole decades.
The Magpies had to make some tough calls on their list, which is the oldest in the competition.
They are the frontrunners to add Brisbane midfielder Lachie Neale, who will be 34 next season.
