Scott Pendlebury joins Geelong Cats on a two-years deal …
Scott Pendlebury has sent shockwaves through the AFL world after officially joining the Geelong Cats on a two-year deal, a move few predicted but one that could redefine the closing chapter of one of the game’s most decorated careers. Long synonymous with Collingwood, Pendlebury’s decision to pull on the hoops marks the end of an era and the beginning of a fascinating new one—both for the veteran star and for a Geelong side determined to remain firmly in premiership contention.
For nearly two decades, Pendlebury embodied Collingwood. Drafted in 2005, he rose from a silky-skilled youngster to one of the most respected leaders in the competition, captaining the Magpies with calm authority and earning admiration across the league for his composure under pressure. His basketball background famously shaped his game, giving him elite spatial awareness, clean hands in traffic, and an ability to slow the play when chaos surrounded him. Leaving that legacy behind was never going to be easy.
So why Geelong? According to those close to the decision, Pendlebury saw the Cats as the ideal environment to extend his career while still competing at the highest level. Geelong’s culture of professionalism, its history of maximizing veteran talent, and its consistent presence in finals football all played a significant role. For a player whose standards have always been exacting, the Cats’ high-performance environment felt like a natural fit.
Pendlebury’s two-year deal reflects a mutual belief: that he still has meaningful football left to give, and that Geelong can provide the platform to use it wisely. Rather than being asked to carry the load every week, Pendlebury is expected to play a targeted role—one that leverages his football IQ, leadership, and elite decision-making. Whether stationed across half-back to control ball movement, rotating through the midfield in key moments, or acting as an on-field general late in tight games, his impact is likely to be felt even when he’s not racking up possessions.
For Geelong, the signing is as much about leadership as it is about skill. The Cats boast a strong core, but Pendlebury brings something different: a premiership-tested mind, an unmatched sense of calm, and the ability to mentor younger players through the nuances of elite AFL football. Coaches see him as an extension of the coaching staff on the field—a player who understands structure, spacing, and situational football better than almost anyone.
Pendlebury himself has been clear about his motivations. He is not arriving in Geelong to chase individual accolades or rewrite his résumé. Instead, he has spoken about contributing to a winning environment and helping drive standards within the group. The opportunity to play meaningful finals football again was a decisive factor, and Geelong’s sustained success made the choice compelling.
Unsurprisingly, the move has sparked mixed emotions among Collingwood supporters. Many fans expressed sadness at seeing a club legend depart, while others acknowledged that Pendlebury had earned the right to finish his career on his own terms. Tributes poured in celebrating his years of service, leadership, and professionalism, underscoring the respect he commands across the AFL landscape.
As for the Cats, expectations will be measured but optimistic. No one expects Pendlebury to turn back the clock entirely, yet his presence alone could prove transformative. In tight September contests, experience often outweighs youth, and few players in the modern era have navigated high-pressure moments as effectively as Pendlebury.
Ultimately, Scott Pendlebury’s move to Geelong is a reminder that even the most enduring careers can evolve. It is a bold, calculated step—one rooted in competitiveness, belief, and unfinished business. As he prepares to don the blue and white hoops, the AFL world will watch closely, eager to see how one of the game’s great minds writes the final chapters of his storied journey.
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