Scott Pendlebury to Join Gold Coast Suns in 2027 as Player-Coach
Quick Look
Collingwood legend Scott Pendlebury will join the Gold Coast Suns as an unrestricted free agent in 2027, playing a hybrid coaching and on-field role for two seasons before transitioning to assistant coach, ending his 21-year Magpies career after 442 games, two premierships, and a Norm Smith Medal.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Scott Pendlebury has played 442 games for Collingwood over 21 years, winning two premierships, a Norm Smith Medal, and earning six All-Australian selections. He was not offered a new contract by Collingwood and will become an unrestricted free agent.
Collingwood legend and AFL games record holder Scott Pendlebury will move to the Gold Coast Suns in 2027.
Pendlebury, who has played 442 games for the Magpies, will move to the Suns as an unrestricted free agent.
The contract is believed to be a multi-year agreement, where the 38-year-old will play a hybrid coaching and on-field role for two seasons, before moving into an assistant coach role for another two years.
Pendlebury was not offered a new contract to continue his career at Collingwood.
"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 in 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.
"The privilege of pulling on the Collingwood jumper has never been lost on me. I understand what this club means to so many people and I've always tried to represent it in a way that makes our Magpie Army proud.
"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."
The midfielder will leave the Magpies as one of the club's greatest-ever players, having won two premierships, a Norm Smith medal and six All-Australian nods.
His role at the Suns is set to mimic former Hawthorn legend Luke Hodge's 2018 move to the Brisbane Lions, where Hodge played two seasons as an on-field coach for a young Lions squad that has gone on to win two premierships from three grand final appearances.
The deal will be officially ticked off when the AFL's free agency period begins on October 2.
Pendlebury was denied a finals farewell game in Collingwood's wildcard loss to the Western Bulldogs on Friday night after straining his hamstring in the final game of the regular season.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The Gold Coast Suns will improve their on-field performance and culture due to Pendlebury's leadership and experience.
Likely · Within years
Pendlebury will be offered a senior coaching role at the Gold Coast Suns after his two-year assistant coach period.
Possible · Within years
Open Questions
- What specific financial terms are included in Pendlebury's contract with the Gold Coast Suns?
- How will Pendlebury's hybrid coaching/playing role be structured day-to-day at the Suns?
- What impact will Pendlebury's departure have on Collingwood's leadership and playing list moving forward?