For years, Scott Pendlebury has stood as the face of the Collingwood Football Club. A captain, a leader, and a player whose consistency and brilliance have made him a household name across the AFL landscape. Recently, whispers circulated about a statue being commissioned in his honor, with some speculation that the tribute might even find its way to his home. But in a surprising twist, the Collingwood Football Club officially announced that the statue would not be delivered privately — instead, it will be erected in a prominent public space, ensuring that fans for generations to come can celebrate Pendlebury’s legendary career.
The announcement left Pendlebury reportedly stunned, albeit in a positive way. While the veteran midfielder has never sought the limelight outside the football field, he admitted that the decision to immortalize him in bronze at the heart of Collingwood’s spiritual home carried far more weight than a private installation ever could. “It’s surreal,” Pendlebury said in a brief statement. “I’ve played the game because I love it, not for recognition like this. To know that future Magpie fans will see that statue and connect it to the journey we’ve all shared — that’s something special.”
Collingwood officials echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the decision was about community and legacy. A spokesperson highlighted that Pendlebury is not just a club legend but also a cultural icon of the AFL. “Scott embodies the values of resilience, leadership, and loyalty,” the statement read. “This statue will stand as a symbol of everything he’s contributed — not just to Collingwood, but to the game itself. We felt strongly that this recognition belongs to the people as much as it does to Scott.”
The placement of the statue is particularly symbolic. Rather than a private display hidden from public view, it will be located near the club’s facilities at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground precinct, where Pendlebury created countless memories across his remarkable career. It’s here that he lifted premiership trophies, earned All-Australian honors, and led by example through countless battles.
Fans have already begun sharing their excitement across social media. Many praised the club’s choice, noting that Pendlebury’s influence stretches well beyond the scoreboard. “He taught us what it means to wear black and white with pride,” one lifelong supporter wrote. Another commented, “My kids will grow up seeing that statue, and I’ll be able to tell them I watched the great man play live.”
The announcement also comes at a poignant time in Pendlebury’s career. As one of the most decorated and longest-serving players in Collingwood’s history, discussions about his eventual retirement have grown louder. The statue serves as both a recognition of his current achievements and a marker of his enduring legacy — one that will live on long after he has hung up the boots.
Still, the decision to clarify the location sparked a lighthearted buzz among fans who joked about the idea of Pendlebury receiving a full-sized bronze replica outside his own house. Pendlebury himself reportedly chuckled at the rumors, saying he was relieved that the club had decided to make it a communal honor rather than something personal. “I don’t think my family would’ve wanted a statue in the driveway,” he joked.
In truth, the choice aligns perfectly with the ethos Pendlebury has carried throughout his career. He has always emphasized team over self, community over individual glory. And in placing the statue at a public site, the Collingwood Football Club has cemented that same philosophy: this is not just about celebrating a single player, but about celebrating what he means to everyone who bleeds black and white.
As the plans move forward, anticipation continues to grow. Once unveiled, the statue will serve as a permanent reminder of Pendlebury’s influence — a beacon for fans, players, and the wider AFL community. For Scott Pendlebury, the honor may have been unexpected, but for Collingwood and its supporters, it feels exactly right