AFL: Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury steps down from role ahead of 2023 season
Collingwood’s longest serving captain has decided to hand the reins to someone else for 2023 after a stunning turn as skipper.
AFL
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Collingwood will have a new captain in 2023 after the club’’s longest-serving skipper, Scott Pendlebury, decided to step down after a club record nine seasons in charge.
Pendlebury, 34, has captained the club since taking over in 2014 but said in the “twilight” of his career it was time to hand the job over.
A strong pool of replacements would include Darcy Moore, Taylor Adams of star defender Jeremy Howe.
“To Captain an AFL Club is one of the greatest honours and it is not something I have ever taken for granted,” Pendlebury said.
“It has been an absolute privilege to lead this side for as long as I have.
“At 34 years of age and in the twilight of my career, I felt that this is the optimal time to hand over the position and support the next Captain of our Club.
“I have experienced all the great football highs and lows throughout my nine-year tenure as Captain and I look forward to seeing the next person take the opportunity and make it their own.
"It has been an unreal honour to be the captain of this football club." 🖤🤠pic.twitter.com/tXRAszSAkW
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) December 12, 2022
“This year, I have shared in what feels like a new era of Collingwood – with new coaches, staff and a young playing group – and we have all witnessed what we have been able to create. It seems timely that we welcome a new Captain for season 2023.”
Pendlebury has captained Collingwood in 206 of his 358 games, holding the club record for longest-serving captain as well as most games played
He has also played more matches at the MCG than any player in league history (224 games) and finished top three in the club best and fairest in 14 of his 17 seasons, winning the award five times.
An announcement on the new captain will be made ahead of the 2023 season.
Originally published as AFL: Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury steps down from role ahead of 2023 season
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