Scott Pendlebury’s move to Gold Coast has been locked in, with Collingwood receiving pick 65 for the AFL games record holder on day one of the trade period.
The trade was confirmed on Monday 5 October, AFL.com.au reported, after its reporter Cal Twomey revealed the deal had been agreed.
“Trade deal agreed for Scott Pendlebury’s move to Gold Coast. Pick 65 going to Collingwood for the Magpies champion. Suns get their man in a trade so not to dilute free agency compensation,†Twomey posted on X.
Why it is a trade, not free agency
Pendlebury could have joined the Suns as a free agent, but that would have reduced the compensation Gold Coast is due for Ben King, who is expected to join Hawthorn. AFL football boss Greg Swann explained the move to Zero Hanger in September.
“It would be (diluted) if he came in as a free agent,†Swann said. “But having been through a few of these myself, Gold Coast will trade with Collingwood and give them a pick. And that way, their compensation isn’t diluted.â€
A similar deal took Luke Hodge from Hawthorn to Brisbane in 2017 for pick 75, Zero Hanger noted.
A playing mentor for the young Suns
The 38-year-old will see out his career as a playing mentor at Gold Coast, with a view to a coaching role in the future, AFL.com.au reported. Taken at pick five in the 2005 draft, he leaves Collingwood after 21 seasons, 442 games, two premierships, five club best and fairest awards and six All-Australian selections.
He played 17 games in 2026, a season that included a fourth Anzac Medal for a 43-disposal, two-goal game against Essendon.
“The privilege of pulling on the Collingwood jumper has never been lost on me,†Pendlebury said in a Collingwood statement when his exit was announced.
What’s next
The trade period runs until deadline day on Wednesday 14 October. It follows a busy free-agency window that saw Toby Greene move to Geelong and Kieren Briggs join Richmond.
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