Breaking News: Veteran Quartet, Including Scott Pendlebury, Re-Commit to Collingwood in Major Re-Signing Boost
In a significant show of loyalty and stability, Collingwood Football Club has officially secured the services of four of its most experienced players, including club legend Scott Pendlebury, with all members of the veteran quartet signing new contracts to extend their stay with the Magpies.
The announcement, made on Wednesday morning, has been welcomed with excitement by Collingwood fans and AFL commentators alike. The re-signings not only reinforce the club’s leadership core but also ensure that valuable experience remains embedded within a team looking to build on recent successes and contend at the highest level.
Joining Pendlebury in committing to the black and white are fellow veterans Steele Sidebottom, Jeremy Howe, and Mason Cox—each of whom has played a critical role in shaping the team’s identity both on and off the field. The quartet’s renewed deals serve as a major endorsement of Collingwood’s direction under senior coach Craig McRae, who has consistently praised the influence of his senior players throughout the 2024 AFL season.
Scott Pendlebury, the most notable name among the group, continues to defy age and expectation. The former captain and games-record holder has shown no signs of slowing down, with his composure, football intelligence, and leadership still as sharp as ever. Speaking after the re-signing, Pendlebury expressed his gratitude and commitment to the club.
“I love this place,” he said. “Collingwood has been my home for almost two decades, and I still feel I have plenty to contribute—both on the field and as a mentor to the younger boys coming through. This group has something special, and I want to be part of what’s ahead.”
Coach McRae echoed that sentiment, highlighting the importance of retaining senior figures who set the standard each day. “We talk a lot about culture and professionalism, and these four guys live those values. To have them recommit sends a strong message to the rest of the group—and to the competition—that we’re serious about sustained success.”
Sidebottom, known for his tireless work rate and consistency, has also been a key presence throughout the season, while high-flying defender Jeremy Howe has continued to inspire with his aerial ability and resilience following multiple injury setbacks. American ruck-forward Mason Cox, a fan favourite and cult hero, adds unique versatility and unmatched passion to the lineup.
Collingwood’s decision to lock in this experienced quartet also allows younger players within the squad to develop under their guidance. With a strong mix of youth and experience, the club is positioning itself for both immediate impact and long-term growth.
The re-signings are expected to lift morale heading into the back half of the season, with the Magpies well in the hunt for another deep finals run. For fans, the sight of Pendlebury and his fellow veterans donning the Collingwood jumper for at least another season is a welcome and reassuring sign of the club’s ongoing unity and ambition.
