A wave of shock and disappointment swept through the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) today as Collingwood’s legendary midfielder Scott Pendlebury officially submitted his resignation letter, marking the end of an illustrious AFL career that spanned over two decades.
But what truly stunned fans wasn’t just the retirement itself — Pendlebury made a shocking announcement during the press conference, revealing he has been battling a serious, previously undisclosed health condition over the past year.
“I’ve always prided myself on leading from the front, but over the past 12 months, I’ve been playing through something I can no longer ignore,” Pendlebury said, holding back emotion. “After consulting with my family and medical team, I’ve decided it’s time to step away from the game — not just for my career, but for my life.”
The 35-year-old Collingwood captain and six-time All-Australian played a club-record 392 games, won a Brownlow Medal, and captained the club to multiple Grand Final appearances, becoming one of the most respected players in AFL history.
His sudden departure leaves a significant gap in Collingwood’s leadership and midfield strength heading into the 2026 season.
Collingwood President Jeff Browne said in a statement: “Scott Pendlebury isn’t just a player — he’s a Collingwood institution. His decision is a courageous one, and we support him fully as he prioritizes his health and family.”
Social media has exploded with messages of support, with fans and fellow athletes praising Pendlebury’s courage and dedication to the game.
As Pendlebury walks away from the game he dominated for nearly 20 years, the AFL world is left to reflect on a career that will surely go down as one of the greatest in league history.
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