‘The best thing for me’: Pendlebury opens up on decision to leave Pies

Collingwood great Scott Pendlebury’s transition into coaching will begin next season when he joins the Gold Coast Suns, with the Magpies legend having played his last game for the club.

Pendlebury’s manager Anthony Panozzo, of Hemisphere Sports, confirmed to this masthead on Saturday that the sport’s games record holder (442) will take to the field for the Suns next season, while also being a quasi assistant coach.

But from 2028 he will fully transition into coaching, although the length of that contract has yet to be determined.

Pendlebury’s decision came just hours after the Magpies lost a heartbreaking wildcard clash against the Western Bulldogs when forward Tim Membrey missed a set shot to win after the final siren. Pendlebury, 38, did not play the game because of injury.

“He will be playing on for the Gold Coast, an on-field assistant, that type of role, and then transition into coaching,” Panozzo said.

“It’s the next chapter of his journey. Collingwood have been unbelievable and have been super supportive to Scott around Scott’s decision.

“But, at the same time, unfortunately things go their way last night, but at the same time he is really excited for him and his family and the kids for what’s next.”

Panozzo said Pendlebury’s wife Alex and family would make the move north with the dual premiership great.

Pendlebury is widely regarded as a future senior coach, and knows he needs to experience life outside of Collingwood where he has plied his trade since being drafted in 2005.