Report: Shaken by Shocking Report, Pendlebury Vows to Lead Cultural Shift
A confronting report has prompted Collingwood champion Scott Pendlebury to make a heartfelt pledge to drive change, admitting the findings forced him to reflect deeply on the culture of the game he has long represented.
In the wake of a scathing report highlighting systemic issues within the AFL — including racism, lack of player welfare support, and toxic masculinity — Pendlebury said he was “shaken” by the revelations and now feels an urgent responsibility to be part of a solution.
“It was confronting, no doubt,” the veteran midfielder said in a candid interview this week. “You like to think you’re doing the right thing, but this report really made me take a hard look at not just myself but the environment I’ve helped shape over the years.”
The report, compiled by an independent panel of experts, detailed stories from current and former players who described feeling isolated, misunderstood, or mistreated — particularly those from minority backgrounds. The findings painted a troubling picture of a sporting culture that still has a long way to go in embracing diversity and providing genuine care for players beyond their on-field performance.
Pendlebury, a 383-game stalwart and former Magpies captain, said he was particularly struck by the testimonies of younger players who felt they had no safe space to speak up or seek help. “Hearing some of those stories broke my heart. These are our teammates, our brothers — and somehow we’ve let them down,” he said.
Acknowledging his position as one of the league’s most respected figures, Pendlebury said he no longer sees leadership as just about tactics and performance. “It’s time to evolve what leadership means in footy,” he said. “It’s about listening, educating ourselves, and creating spaces where everyone feels seen and supported.”
The 36-year-old has pledged to work closely with Collingwood’s welfare and leadership teams to implement real change, starting with open forums where players and staff can discuss the report’s findings and share personal experiences.
“I want to make sure this doesn’t just become another headline or another document that gets shelved,” Pendlebury said. “We need to turn this into action — not just for us, but for the next generation of players.”
He also called on the AFL to take a stronger stance in enforcing cultural accountability across all clubs, saying the league must lead from the front. “If we want footy to be truly inclusive, it’s got to be more than a slogan. It has to be a lived experience for every player, every supporter, and every staff member.”
The AFL has yet to announce formal responses to the report, but pressure is mounting for decisive action.
As the football world digests the uncomfortable truths laid bare by the report, Pendlebury’s public commitment to change has been widely applauded. For many, it’s a reminder that even in a sport built on strength and endurance, vulnerability and reflection are just as powerful.
“Footy is more than just a game,” Pendlebury said. “It’s a community. And if we want that community to thrive, we need to start by taking a good, honest look at ourselves.”
