Collingwood champion Scott Pendlebury says he remains undecided whether he will play on into an extraordinary 22nd AFL season. The 38-year-old earlier this year broke the all-time VFL/AFL games record previously held by North Melbourne legend Brent Harvey, and has shown few signs of slowing down in another impressive season.
Pendlebury non-committal on 2027
Pendlebury, who has long maintained he won’t make a decision on his future until the end of the year, wouldn’t be drawn when asked whether he would go again in 2027 — but surprisingly said he hadn’t even thought about it yet.
“I’m not sure, I’ll give you the straight-bat answer,” he told Channel 7, appearing as a guest expert commentator for Melbourne’s clash with Richmond on Sunday. “I’m enjoying my footy, take it day by day. I haven’t actually thought about it to be fair. I think the last few years, I’ve gone in with the mindset of just enjoying my footy, have fun.”
Magpies momentum and veteran decisions
Pendlebury noted the team’s recent form: “We’ve won four in a row and we’re building some momentum, so I’m excited by that.” The Magpies themselves have decisions to make on veterans Steele Sidebottom and Jeremy Howe, who are 35 and 36, respectively, and no certainty to be there next year.
Their aging list profile doesn’t bother the Magpies though, who are expected to bring in 33-year-old Brisbane free agent Lachie Neale on a lucrative three-year deal.
Selwood offers perspective
Geelong legend Joel Selwood, who retired after captaining the Cats’ 2022 premiership, said Pendlebury will know when it’s time. “I think that he should enjoy the moment right now, and then it just comes to you after a period of time I think, more so than anything else,” Selwood said. “He’ll know more than anyone else.”
Pendlebury's 2026 form
Pendlebury is averaging 24.2 disposals per game in 2026, just shy of his career average of 25.3. He put on a virtuoso performance in Round 7 against Essendon, recording a career-best 43 disposals to win a record fourth Anzac Day Medal.
