Scott Pendlebury to join Gold Coast Suns after Collingwood departure

AFL games record holder Scott Pendlebury is leaving the Collingwood Magpies after 21 seasons to join the Gold Coast Suns. The 38-year-old, who holds the record with 442 games, has reportedly agreed to a multi-year arrangement that includes two years as a player and a subsequent transition into an assistant coaching role.

Pendlebury’s departure follows Collingwood’s wildcard final loss to the Western Bulldogs. While he missed the match due to a hamstring injury, his decision to move north was confirmed shortly after the game. His manager, Anthony Panozzo, stated that the move allows Pendlebury to experience a new environment and provide vital leadership to the Suns’ young group.

The transition is expected to see Pendlebury playing beyond the age of 40 before moving into a full-time coaching capacity. The move comes alongside the retirement of fellow Collingwood veteran Steele Sidebottom.