Scott Pendlebury joins Gold Coast Suns on two-year playing contract

Scott Pendlebury has signed with the Gold Coast Suns following a record-breaking 442-game career at Collingwood. The 38-year-old will play for two seasons before transitioning into a coaching role under Damien Hardwick in 2029. Gold Coast aims to leverage his leadership to stabilize a squad that finished 13th in 2025 after a 10-game losing streak. Coach Damien Hardwick now faces the tactical challenge of integrating the veteran into a midfield rotation that already features Noah Anderson, Sam Collins, Touk Miller, Matt Rowell, and Christian Petracca, and Bailey Humphrey. Pendlebury may also provide an option in the backline or as a half-forward to assist with the club's late-game decision-making. The transition follows a season where the Suns struggled in tight finishes, losing five games by margins of 13 points or less.

• 8:00 PMAFL — The Suns have landed a legend. But the biggest challenge is just beginning