Scott Pendlebury Joins Gold Coast Suns as Free Agent After 442 Games

Scott Pendlebury will play for Gold Coast next season and transition into coaching from 2028, ending his 21-year career at Collingwood. The 38-year-old, who holds the AFL’s all-time games record with 442 appearances, departs as a free agent after the Magpies declined to offer him a contract. Collingwood’s season ended Friday with a wildcard loss to Western Bulldogs, with Pendlebury sidelined by injury.

Why Pendlebury left Collingwood

Collingwood did not offer Pendlebury a 2027 contract, leaving him free to negotiate with rival clubs. Coach Craig McRae said earlier this week it was “50-50” whether Pendlebury would stay. The Magpies were internally divided on extending the midfielder’s career, despite his strong 2026 form averaging 22.5 disposals per game.

Gold Coast’s four-year offer

Gold Coast moved aggressively to secure Pendlebury with a four-year deal: two seasons as a player followed by two as an assistant coach. The Suns aim to add leadership to their young squad under coach Damien Hardwick. Essendon also offered Pendlebury a chance to play on, but Gold Coast won the race.

Pendlebury’s record and legacy

Pendlebury broke the AFL’s games record in 2026 with his 433rd appearance, surpassing Brent Harvey. He won two premierships, played in two grand finals, claimed five Copeland Trophies, six All-Australian selections, one Norm Smith Medal, and four Anzac Day medals. This season he won the Anzac Day Medal against Essendon. He will turn 39 in January and could play into his 40s under the Suns deal.

What’s next for Pendlebury

Pendlebury’s manager Anthony Panozzo confirmed the midfielder will move his wife Alex and family north to Queensland. The move mirrors Luke Hodge’s switch to Brisbane and Sam Mitchell’s trade to West Coast late in their careers. Pendlebury will serve as a quasi assistant coach in 2027 before fully transitioning to coaching from 2028, though the length of that contract remains undetermined.

Final Thoughts

Pendlebury departs Collingwood as arguably the club’s greatest player but without a farewell game after injury sidelined him in Friday’s finals loss. His move to Gold Coast marks a rare mid-career shift for an AFL legend seeking a new environment and a clear pathway to senior coaching.

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