# Scott Pendlebury to join Gold Coast Suns > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/scott-pendlebury-contract-uncertainty > Updated: 2026-08-31T14:05:00.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 4. The professional future of Collingwood midfielder Scott Pendlebury has shifted from uncertainty to a confirmed departure. While Pendlebury previously expressed a desire to continue playing, Collingwood had not yet presented a contract offer for the 2027 season due to list regeneration efforts. Following a hamstring injury sustained during a loss to the Brisbane Lions, Collingwood coach Craig McRae described the likelihood of Pendlebury playing for the club next season as “50-50,” noting that any decision would depend on the 38-year-old’s ability to perform at the required level. McRae emphasized that there was no friction between the player and the club regarding his future. Reports have now confirmed that Pendlebury is leaving the Collingwood Magpies after 21 seasons to join the Gold Coast Suns. The move, which follows Collingwood’s wildcard round loss to the Western Bulldogs, involves a multi-year arrangement. The 38-year-old, who holds an AFL record of 442 games, is expected to play for two years before transitioning into an assistant coaching role. Pendlebury’s manager, Anthony Panozzo, stated the move allows the veteran to experience a new environment and provide “vital leadership” to the Suns’ young group. This transition may see Pendlebury playing beyond the age of 40. His departure coincides with the retirement of fellow Collingwood veteran Steele Sidebottom. New details indicate the agreement with the Gold Coast Suns is a four-year contract, consisting of two years as a player and two years as a coach. While Pendlebury may have remained at Collingwood had an offer been made, the lack of a contract has reportedly caused him disappointment. Former coach Nathan Buckley has supported the move, suggesting it will leave Pendlebury “super ready” for his future career. Collingwood management is planning to honor the veteran at a home game and the club’s best-and-fairest function. ## Claims - Scott Pendlebury suffered a hamstring injury during a match against the Brisbane Lions. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Scott Pendlebury's chances of playing on with Collingwood next year are 50-50. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Pendlebury has played a record 442 VFL/AFL games. (corroborated by 2 sources) - There is no friction between Pendlebury and Collingwood regarding his future. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Pendlebury must be able to perform at a certain level to continue playing. (corroborated by 2 sources) - A club could use a player contract as a mechanism to pay Pendlebury as an assistant coach. (single source) - Gold Coast has expressed interest in Pendlebury joining as a free agent. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-31: Scott Pendlebury to join Gold Coast Suns on four-year deal Collingwood veteran Scott Pendlebury will join the Gold Coast Suns on a four-year deal, serving two years as a player and two as a coach, following reports that Collingwood did not offer him a new contract. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/scott-pendlebury-to-join-gold-coast-suns-on-four-year-deal ### 2026-08-28: Scott Pendlebury to join Gold Coast Suns after Collingwood departure AFL record holder Scott Pendlebury is leaving Collingwood to join the Gold Coast Suns in a player-coach role, transitioning into coaching after two years of playing. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/scott-pendlebury-to-join-gold-coast-suns-next-season ### 2026-08-25: Scott Pendlebury's future at Collingwood rated 50-50 by coach Collingwood coach Craig McRae rates Scott Pendlebury's chances of playing another AFL season at “50-50” following a hamstring injury and contract expiration. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/scott-pendleburys-future-at-collingwood-rated-50-50-by-coach ### 2026-08-11: Scott Pendlebury's future uncertain amid interest from Gold Coast and Essendon Collingwood veteran Scott Pendlebury's future is uncertain as the club has not yet offered a 2027 contract, amid interest from the Gold Coast Suns and Essendon. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/scott-pendleburys-future-uncertain-amid-interest-from-gold-coast-and-essendon --- Cite as: Scott Pendlebury to join Gold Coast Suns. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/scott-pendlebury-contract-uncertainty