Collingwood Football Icon Scott Pendlebury announced his retirement and explain his decision…
Collingwood Football Club legend Scott Pendlebury has officially announced his retirement from Australian Rules Football, marking the end of one of the most decorated and influential careers in AFL history. The announcement, made at a packed press conference at the AIA Centre, drew tears, applause, and heartfelt tributes from teammates, coaches, and fans who have watched Pendlebury’s remarkable journey unfold over nearly two decades.
After 383 games, multiple Best and Fairest awards, a Norm Smith Medal, and the unforgettable 2023 Premiership triumph, Pendlebury said it was finally time to “step aside and let the next generation carry the black and white forward.” His decision, while emotional, reflected the humility and leadership that defined his playing days.
“I’ve given everything I have to this football club,” Pendlebury said, holding back emotion. “From the moment I first walked through the doors in 2005, I knew this place was special. I’ve been lucky enough to live my dream for 19 seasons, to share the field with incredible teammates, and to represent the Collingwood family week after week. But now, it’s time to put my family first and give my body the rest it deserves.”
The 36-year-old star admitted the decision had been months in the making. Pendlebury revealed that lingering physical tolls, coupled with a desire to spend more time with his wife and children, played a key role in his choice to retire. “My heart still wants to compete, but my body is telling me something different,” he explained. “Every season gets a little tougher, and I’ve always promised myself and this club that I’d only keep playing if I could give 100 percent. I never wanted to stay just for the sake of staying.”
Pendlebury’s influence on Collingwood extends far beyond his on-field brilliance. As captain for nine seasons between 2014 and 2022, he redefined leadership through calm decision-making, professionalism, and consistency. Widely respected across the AFL, Pendlebury’s ability to control the pace of the game and inspire those around him earned him comparisons to basketball greats for his poise and vision — a nod to his background in junior basketball before choosing football.
Collingwood coach Craig McRae paid tribute to the retiring icon, describing Pendlebury as “the heartbeat of Collingwood for nearly two decades.” McRae said, “He’s one of those players you build a culture around. His preparation, composure, and class have set a standard that will echo through this club for generations.”
Fans flooded social media with gratitude and emotion, celebrating the man affectionately known as “Pendles.” Many hailed him as Collingwood’s greatest-ever player — a living embodiment of loyalty, excellence, and grace under pressure.
As for what comes next, Pendlebury hinted that he plans to stay involved with the club in some capacity, possibly in a mentoring or coaching role. “Collingwood will always be my home,” he said with a smile. “I might be stepping off the field, but I’ll never stop being part of this family.”
With that, Scott Pendlebury leaves behind a legacy carved in black and white — one built on leadership, class, and an unshakeable love for the game.
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