Collingwood’s longest-serving Captain Scott Pendlebury has today advised his teammates and the wider Club that he will hand over the reins ahead of the 2023 season.
Pendlebury’s career as Captain of Collingwood is a legendary one.
In January 2014, the then 25-year-old Pendlebury was appointed as Captain to replace Nick Maxwell. He went on to lead the side for nine consecutive years and was named the AFLPA’s Best Captain in 2020 and 2022.
“To Captain an AFL Club is one of the greatest honours and it is not something I have ever taken for granted,” Pendlebury said.
“It has been an absolute privilege to lead this side for as long as I have.
“At 34 years of age and in the twilight of my career, I felt that this is the optimal time to hand over the position and support the next Captain of our Club.
“I have experienced all the great football highs and lows throughout my nine-year tenure as Captain and I look forward to seeing the next person take the opportunity and make it their own.
“This year, I have shared in what feels like a new era of Collingwood – with new coaches, staff and a young playing group – and we have all witnessed what we have been able to create. It seems timely that we welcome a new Captain for season 2023.”
Pendlebury has played 358 games for the Club and led Collingwood as Captain on 206 occasions. Both are Club records. He has played more matches at the MCG than any player in league history (224 games).
This year the veteran showed no signs of slowing down finishing the E. W. Copeland Medal count in second place. Pendlebury has finished top three in the Copeland count in the last 14 of his 17 seasons in the black and white.
The Club will soon put in place the process to appoint its 48th AFL Captain with the announcement to be made ahead of the 2023 season.
Pendlebury informed the playing group of his decision earlier today.
Pendlebury’s AFL career so far*
Collingwood Captain, 2014 – 2022 (a Club-record 206 games as Captain/ acting Captain) Premiership Player, 2010
Norm Smith Medal, 2010
6 x All Australian, 2010-2014, 2019
5 x Copeland Trophy Winner, 2011, 2013 – 2016 3 x Anzac Day Medal, 2010, 2011, 2019
2 x AFLPA Best Captain, 2020, 2022
AFLA Best Young Player, 2007
AFLCA Champion Player of the Year, 2013
Lou Richards Medal, 2014
Collingwood Games Record Holder (358 games) and only the 20th player in history to reach 350 VFL/AFL games
*Statistics correct to the end of the 2022 AFL season
