DEAL ACCEPTED: Collingwood Football Club CEO Makes Smart Move to Appoint Former Captain Scott Pendlebury as New Head Coach After Turbulent McRae Era

In a bold yet widely celebrated move, the Collingwood Football Club has officially appointed former club captain and AFL great Scott Pendlebury as its new senior coach. This announcement follows the recent departure of Craig McRae, whose turbulent final season at the helm raised eyebrows and ultimately triggered the leadership shake-up.

The decision, announced by CEO Mark Anderson on Thursday morning, signals a new chapter for the Magpies—one focused on stability, cultural restoration, and tapping into the club’s rich heritage. And who better to lead that charge than Scott Pendlebury, the man who has lived and breathed Collingwood football for nearly two decades?

From Midfield General to Strategic Mastermind

Pendlebury, 37, is widely regarded as one of the smartest footballers of the modern era. With 383 games under his belt, a Premiership medal (2010), six Copeland Trophies, and a legacy of elite consistency, his transition to a leadership role was always expected—just not this soon.

“He’s always had the mind of a coach,” Anderson said during the press conference. “His leadership on and off the field has been second to none. The way he reads the game, the respect he commands, and his deep understanding of Collingwood’s culture made him the standout choice.”

Pendlebury, who only retired earlier this year, has wasted no time making his mark on the club’s football department. Insiders report he has already begun assembling a coaching panel that blends tactical innovation with Collingwood DNA—a balance that was seen as lacking under McRae’s later tenure.

McRae’s Mess: A Cautionary Tale

Craig McRae’s coaching stint started with immense promise. In 2022, he guided the Magpies to a preliminary final, reviving a team that had stumbled under Nathan Buckley. Then came the fairy tale premiership in 2023, one that many saw as the beginning of a dynasty.

However, what followed in 2024 was nothing short of chaotic. Internal player unrest, poor defensive structures, and questionable list decisions saw the club drop out of finals contention. Several key senior players, including Steele Sidebottom and Darcy Moore, were reportedly frustrated with inconsistent messaging and a lack of clarity around roles.

The tipping point came during the Round 19 clash against Carlton, where a tactical meltdown saw Collingwood surrender a six-goal lead in the final term. Fans booed as players left the field, and calls for a review of the football department grew louder.

“Craig brought us a flag, and we’ll always be grateful for that,” said club president Jeff Browne. “But we must also acknowledge when a change is needed. This club is bigger than any one person.”

A Fresh Vision

Pendlebury’s appointment represents more than just nostalgia—it’s a calculated decision rooted in football IQ and leadership pedigree.

“I love this club,” Pendlebury said in his first statement as head coach. “It’s given me everything, and I want to give back by building something sustainable, something the black and white army can be proud of.”

He stressed that while his playing career was defined by poise and precision, his coaching approach will be centred on adaptability, accountability, and connection.

“I know what makes this group tick. I know the culture we want to build and the standard we expect,” he said.

Already, fans are rallying behind the move. Membership renewals spiked within hours of the announcement, and social media was flooded with messages of support.

Support and Strategy

Pendlebury’s transition will be supported by an experienced panel of assistants, including former teammate Luke Ball, who returns as midfield coach, and Brenton Sanderson, who will oversee defensive strategy. The club is also said to be targeting a high-performance manager from an international soccer background to bring innovation to training and recovery protocols.

Key to Pendlebury’s early success will be his relationship with current captain Darcy Moore and vice-captain Jordan De Goey. Sources say both players were consulted during the appointment process and fully support Pendlebury’s elevation.

Moore, speaking on SEN, called it a “masterstroke.”

“Scotty’s the ultimate professional. He’s been a mentor to most of us for years. To now have him leading the team officially just makes sense.”

Looking Ahead

As pre-season looms, all eyes will be on how Pendlebury reshapes a squad that underperformed in 2024 but still boasts elite talent. Key decisions around player roles, youth development, and tactical tweaks are expected in the coming weeks.

The message from the new coach is clear: standards will rise, the culture will reset, and the Magpies are back on the hunt—not just for finals, but for sustained greatness.

“History matters here,” Pendlebury said. “We honour the past, but we’re building something new—and we’re not here to make up the numbers.”

With the appointment of one of the club’s most decorated players now official, there’s renewed belief that Collingwood has found the leader to guide them into the next era—an era built not just on talent, but on identity.

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