Scott Pendlebury, one of the most decorated players in Australian Football League history, is set to embark on a new chapter in his career by joining the Gold Coast Suns for the 2027 season. The 38-year-old Collingwood legend, who holds the league’s all-time games record with 442 matches, will transition into a hybrid role combining on-field participation and coaching duties. His move comes as the Magpies prepare for the upcoming AFL free agency period, which opens on October 2. Pendlebury, who has spent his entire professional career with Collingwood since being drafted in 2005, will play for the Suns during the 2027 season as an unrestricted free agent. According to his manager, Anthony Panozzo, Pendlebury will serve as an on-field assistant for the first two years of his tenure with the club before transitioning fully into a coaching role starting in 2028. The exact duration of his coaching contract remains undisclosed, though it is understood to span multiple years. This structure mirrors the path taken by former Hawthorn great Luke Hodge, who joined the Brisbane Lions in 2018 and played two seasons as a player-coach before becoming a senior coach. Pendlebury’s decision to leave Collingwood follows the Magpies' heartbreaking loss in a wildcard match against the Western Bulldogs on Friday night. In that game, forward Tim Membrey missed a crucial set shot after the final siren, sealing the defeat. Pendlebury, who was sidelined due to a hamstring strain, did not play in the match. His absence marked the end of his 20-year career with the club, leaving him as one of the most revered figures in Collingwood’s history. During his time with the Magpies, Pendlebury won two premierships, a Norm Smith Medal, and six All-Australian selections. The move to the Gold Coast Suns represents a strategic step in Pendlebury’s evolution beyond the playing field. As a future senior coach, he aims to gain valuable experience in different environments and cultures within the AFL. His manager, Panozzo, emphasized that the decision was driven by Pendlebury’s desire to explore opportunities beyond Collingwood, where he has been based for nearly two decades. While the Magpies remained a key part of his journey, Pendlebury and his family are preparing to relocate northward for the new phase of his career. Pendlebury’s arrival at the Suns coincides with a rebuilding phase for the club. The team finished the 2026 season in 13th place with nine wins, marking one of the most disappointing campaigns in recent memory despite making the finals for the first time last year. Under coach Damien Hardwick, the Suns face challenges in establishing a consistent identity and culture. Pendlebury’s presence is expected to provide stability and mentorship to a young roster featuring established stars such as Christian Petracca, Matt Rowell, and captain Noah Anderson. His insights could prove instrumental in transforming the team into a competitive force. Meanwhile, Collingwood faces its own wave of change. Fellow veteran Steele Sidebottom played his 375th and final game against the Bulldogs, signaling the end of an era for the club. Coach Craig McRae acknowledged the significance of losing key players but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to improve. With substantial flexibility in the salary cap, the Magpies are poised to be active in the upcoming trade and free agency period, seeking to strengthen their roster while retaining core elements of their leadership group. McRae highlighted the importance of internal development, noting that players like Harry Perryman, Brayden Maynard, Darcy Moore, and Jamie Elliott remain integral to the club’s future.
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