‘Would have stayed…’: Pendles twist as fresh details revealed in ‘disappointed’ Pies star’s exit
AFL legend Scott Pendlebury has joined the Gold Coast Suns on a four-year deal following a tense and unexpected departure from Collingwood. Reports indicate Pendlebury was disappointed by the lack of a contract offer from the Magpies, leading to his exit without a formal farewell.
Why it matters
The departure of a high-profile veteran player under strained circumstances highlights the often-difficult transition periods for long-serving athletes in professional sports.
AFL TEAMS COLLINGWOOD-MAGPIES ‘Would have stayed…’: Pendles twist as fresh details revealed in ‘disappointed’ Pies star’s exit 'Genuine tension': Inside Pendles' exit | 03:46 Josh Higgins from Fox Sports September 1st, 2026 7:50 am Fresh details have emerged surrounding Scott Pendlebury’s bombshell Collingwood departure , with the Magpies great reportedly left “disappointed” after the one-year deal he was prepared to sign never arrived.
Fox Footy’s Jon Ralph revealed Pendlebury would have remained at Collingwood in 2027 had the club put another contract in front of him during the back end of the season.
Instead, with no offer forthcoming, Pendlebury’s management began exploring alternatives before ultimately approaching Gold Coast themselves over the stunning move north.
“He would have stayed for another one year deal if it was offered to him in the back third of the season according to those that know him really well,” Ralph reported during On The Couch.
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