Alex Pendlebury opens up on the life of an AFL wife with Magpies player Scott

As the wife of Collingwood legend Scott, Alex Pendlebury is used to footy consuming her family’s life, but as the Magpies star laces up for yet another season, she says they still never take it for granted.

Alex and Scott Pendlebury. Picture: Getty Images

Alex Pendlebury is the least surprised of anyone that her husband, Collingwood legend Scott, is still kicking a footy.

“He’s always made good decisions,’’ she says. “So it’s not a coincidence he’s played so long.”

The Pendleburys have been a couple since they were 19 and Alex, a model, presenter and nutritionist, has become accustomed to footy pretty much consuming their life.

“Pre-season is pretty busy, the practice matches start and we’re pretty much in footy mode,’’ she says.

“He’s just finished his 20th pre-season and he said they don’t get any easier. He’s always so tired and excited for the real deal to start. Football has done a lot for our family so we’ve always been low key but we’ve never taken it for granted.”

Now with two children, Jax, 7, and Darcy, 5, Alex says the family is lapping up footy time even more.

Scott loves bringing the kids into the huddle after a win to sing the Magpies theme song.

“The older the kids get, the more fun it is to take them to the games,’’ Alex says.

“We love the early rounds because it’s still warm and you get the best of both worlds.”

The couple have also enjoyed Auskick duties over the years with their kids who are loving playing footy.

Alex Pendlebury with kids Jax, 7 and Darcy, 5 at home in Sandringham. Picture: Jason Edwards

“Darcy just started prep and she’s loving it so much she’s been asking to go on the weekends,’’ Alex said.

“She did Auskick with Jax last year and she was so excited to be able to join in. Jax loves soccer, footy and basketball. When it’s footy season he definitely likes footy season the most.

“Auskick has been awesome, it’s all about having fun and making friends within the local community.

“All the dads and mums get involved and help with the drills. I join in helping out with the drills and now Jax is getting older, it’s his fourth year of it, I participate by being a goal umpire.”

Auskick is in its 30th year with the AFL attempting to break the all-time participation record with more than 150,000 kids around Australia to join their local centre.

Scott is well involved too, and has also coached Jax’s basketball team.

At age 37 he’s starting the year with 403 games, just 29 games off Brent Harvey’s 432 games record.

Scott Pendlebury says he hopes to be one of the luky ones that can keep going. Picture: Getty Images

Last year the ball magnet notched up his 10,000th career disposal — fittingly in front of a sold-out MCG crowd.

“We always say it’s a long time retired and he’s definitely up for whatever his body can take,’’ Alex says. “He knows when it’s his time and how long he can go on.

“There were a lot of milestones the last few years and it’s a bit like oh gosh what’s next. The only next one to break would be the games record. He really wants another premiership to be honest. It’s cliche but that’s all he wants.”

Scott, who has two premierships already — 2010 and 2023 — is well known for his durability. He has never taped an ankle through his career and says he’s feeling “alright at the moment” and is in a good spot to attack the year.

Pendlebury says he hopes to say fit and keep going. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

“Everyone just wants to be fit and healthy at this stage,’’ he said.

“Touch wood I’m one of the lucky ones that can keep going.

“There’s a couple of guys at the club that were born 2006, 2007 and I’d already debuted by that age. Half of the side now is closer to my son Jax’s age than I am to them so they’ve got more in common than I do. I’m often caught out with the lingo of footy but I’ve got a couple of young guys under my wing that I can confide in.”

Scott and Alex have settled into their dream home with the kids. Picture: Jason Edwards

Scott and Alex, who also have a passion for property and renovation, have settled into their dream home.

With settled surrounds, he started pre-season training more than three months ago and continues to give himself the best chance to succeed.

He has been documenting his every move for a unique podcast called Pendlebury: Beyond 400 with the Howie Games.

“A lot of people are still surprised we start pre-season in November,’’ Scott told Triple M’s The Rush Hour.

“I’m tryng to motivate people about what goes into playing a long career, the Monday to Friday. There are days when you can’t be buggered and don’t want to get into an ice bath. But you get up and go for a run or do something. The last few years it’s been a lot more relaxed with the kids and family.”

Scott is sticking to his regular game day routine heading into his 21st AFL season in 2025 — and Alex and the kids are thrilled to be along for the ride.

“I just have eggs, avocado on toast for brekky, nothing too strict or routine based,’’ he said.

“I like to get to the ground pretty early, three hours before the game. Have a walk around, have a really good stretch and a massage in there. Put the cans on and listen to a bit of music and relax. It’s the best part of the week. You still get that buzz.”

Originally published as Alex Pendlebury opens up on the life of an AFL wife with Magpies player Scott