After 442 games in the black and white, Scott Pendlebury will depart Collingwood as he commences the next phase of his football journey.

With a career spanning over 21 seasons, Pendlebury leaves the Club with an illustrious career and many records to his name.

In Round 11 this year, Pendlebury broke the all-time VFL/AFL games record of 433 and has extended that record even further to currently sit on 442 matches.

No other Collingwood Captain has led the team out for as many games, with Pendlebury captaining the Club on 206 occasions between 2014 and 2022.

Throughout the history of the league, Pendlebury sits at the top for most games played at the MCG, having played 280 games at the iconic venue - 44 more games than Steele Sidebottom who sits second and 80 more than Richmond’s Kevin Bartlett.

Pendlebury has plethora of accolades to his name, including two AFL Premierships, six All Australian selections, five E.W. Copeland Trophies and a Norm Smith Medal as well as four ANZAC Medals.

Pendlebury reflected on his time as a Magpie.

“For the past 21 years, it’s been an incredible privilege to be a Collingwood footballer. From walking in the doors as a 17-year-old, to seeing the way everyone at the Club has welcomed and embraced my family over all these years is something that is truly special,” Pendlebury said.  

“I've spent the majority of my life here and so many of my best memories have come through being part of Collingwood. The friendships, the challenges, the successes and even the tough times have all shaped who I am.

“The privilege of pulling on the Collingwood jumper has never been lost on me. I understand what this Club means to so many people and I've always tried to represent it in a way that makes our Magpie Army proud.

“This decision has not come lightly but I know this is the best thing for me and my family as I transition into the next phase of my football journey.

“And while my next chapter won’t be in the black and white, it’s hard to put into words what the Collingwood Football Club means to me. To all my coaches, the staff and my teammates, thank you for everything. Collingwood has been such a significant part of my life and I'll always be grateful for the opportunity to represent this great football club.

Senior Coach Craig McRae thanked Pendlebury.

“Scott has dedicated so much of himself to this Club over such a long period of time and we're all incredibly grateful for the impact he's had. He turns up every day with real humility, a willingness to learn and a genuine care for the people around him,” McRae said.

“We talk a lot about legacy in footy, but Scott's legacy isn't just the games or the records. It's the impact he's had on people.

“At the Collingwood, we live in a state of growth mindset with no ceilings and he has led this from the front. He has been an incredible role model for his teammates and the wider Club.

“We are all grateful for being a part of Scott’s football journey and the shared experiences and memories we’ve had together.

“To Scott, Alex, Bruce, Liza, Jax and Darcy, they will always be apart of our Collingwood family.”

President Barry Carp acknowledged Pendlebury’s contribution to the Collingwood Football Club.

“On behalf of everyone at Collingwood, I simply want to say thank you, Scott. Thank you for your commitment, your professionalism and the care you've shown for this Club and its people every single day,” Carp said.

“We're enormously grateful for everything he's given. Scott has represented Collingwood with class, dignity and excellence. It's been a privilege for all of us to be part of his journey.

“Working and sharing the past years with Scott is something I will always cherish and remember. It's never easy saying goodbye to people who have meant so much to our football club.

“We thank Scott, Alex, Jax and Darcy for everything they've contributed to the Club and wish them every success in the next chapter of their journey. They'll always hold a special place in the Collingwood family as well as my family.

“His presence and legacy at Collingwood will endure long after he leaves this Club.”