Scott Pendlebury's manager has spoken following news surfacing of the champion Magpie's decision to sign with Gold Coast on a two-year deal.
Hemisphere Management Group's Anthony Panozzo shed some light on Pendlebury's decision after an extended period weighing up his future.
"He wanted to play on and we were not sure whether this would be at Collingwood or another club. (Gold Coast) has a young leadership group and Scott's looking forward to adding experience and helping out in that capacity," Panozzo said.
Collingwood, too, has been left to consider its future with its stalwart, who managed 17 games in 2026 - a campaign that was cut short by a hamstring injury. Pendlebury was managed throughout the year in a bid to be prime for a premiership push, only for his recent setback to rule him out of his side's opening final against the Western Bulldogs this week.
The 442-gamer now looks set to add to his games tally and potentially surpass the 450-match barrier, with Gold Coast set to sign the veteran midfielder this off-season as an unrestricted free agent.
The publication's report suggests Pendlebury will move into a coaching position after seeing out at least two seasons on-field for the Queensland club.
The decision will see Pendlebury's 21-season spell at Collingwood come to an end, with the Norm Smith Medal winner to depart as a two-time premiership player and a five-time best and fairest winner.
His exit will come alongside that of long-serving teammate Steele Sidebottom, who played his last game with the Magpies in Friday night's Wildcard Final defeat to the Western Bulldogs after announcing his retirement.
The Suns will add further experience to a star-studded midfield group that fell short of expectations in 2026, with Damien Hardwick's side going from contention in the opening half of the year to a bottom six finish.
The addition of Pendlebury will add to the Suns' recent re-signing of veteran Touk Miller, while Gold Coast will bid farewell to spearhead Ben King, who has informed the club of his decision to exercise his rights as a free agent.
