Breaking news: collingwood head coach Craig McRae Announced pendlebury as Assistant coach collingwood sports due to….

**Breaking News: Craig McRae Announces Scott Pendlebury as Assistant Coach for Collingwood Football Club**

*Collingwood, Australia* – In a surprising and exciting development for the Collingwood Football Club, head coach Craig McRae has announced that club legend Scott Pendlebury will be joining the coaching staff as an assistant coach for the upcoming season. The decision, revealed in a press conference earlier today, marks a new chapter for both Pendlebury and the Pies, as the iconic midfielder transitions from a decorated playing career to a leadership role off the field.

### A Legendary Player Joins the Coaching Staff

Scott Pendlebury, widely regarded as one of the greatest players to ever wear the black and white, brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and footballing IQ to the coaching team. Pendlebury retired from playing at the conclusion of the 2023 season after an illustrious 17-year career with Collingwood. Throughout his playing days, Pendlebury earned numerous accolades, including the AFLPA MVP, multiple All-Australian selections, and the captaincy of the Pies for 12 years.

Pendlebury’s appointment as assistant coach follows a year of discussions between the former player and club management. While the details of his role have yet to be fully outlined, it is expected that Pendlebury will focus on player development, leadership mentoring, and assisting in tactical and strategic game planning alongside McRae.

### Craig McRae’s Vision for the Future

Head coach Craig McRae, who took the reins of Collingwood in 2022, has quickly established himself as one of the most innovative and respected coaches in the AFL. His leadership was pivotal in guiding the Magpies to a finals campaign and ultimately to the 2023 AFL Grand Final, where they were narrowly defeated. McRae’s energetic coaching style and emphasis on a strong team culture have helped the club regain its competitive edge after a few years of rebuilding.

In his announcement, McRae expressed his excitement about Pendlebury’s new role, calling it a “natural progression” for the midfielder. “Scott has been the heart and soul of this club for over a decade,” McRae said. “His understanding of the game, his leadership qualities, and his ability to connect with players make him the perfect fit for this role. I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to build a strong foundation for the future.”

McRae also emphasized that Pendlebury’s presence on the coaching staff would add an extra layer of wisdom and mentorship, particularly for Collingwood’s younger players. “Scott is one of the best thinkers of the game, and having him in a coaching capacity will only enhance our team’s development.”

### Pendlebury’s Role and Future Impact

Pendlebury’s transition to coaching is seen as a significant step, both for him personally and for the future of the club. Though he is still relatively young by AFL standards, Pendlebury’s leadership and understanding of the game will prove invaluable in helping to shape Collingwood’s next generation of stars.

Having spent most of his career in the AFL midfield, Pendlebury’s insight into ball movement, tactical awareness, and game management will be instrumental in guiding the club’s midfielders and developing strategies to compete at the highest level. His influence on the club’s younger players, particularly those looking to step into leadership roles themselves, is expected to be profound.

“We are fortunate to have someone of Scott’s caliber join our coaching ranks,” said Collingwood president Mark Korda. “His legacy as a player speaks for itself, and his passion for Collingwood and for the game makes him an ideal candidate to help us continue to grow and succeed.”

### A New Era for Collingwood

The appointment of Pendlebury as assistant coach represents a new era for the Collingwood Football Club, one in which former players are increasingly involved in shaping the club’s future. With McRae at the helm, Pendlebury in the coaching box, and a promising group of young talent coming through, the future looks bright for the Magpies.

The Collingwood faithful will be eager to see how the combination of McRae’s youthful energy and Pendlebury’s experienced wisdom will translate into success on the field. With the 2024 season just around the corner, the Magpies are poised for another exciting campaign, with the added benefit of Pendlebury’s guidance behind the scenes.

As Collingwood embarks on this next chapter, one thing is certain: Scott Pendlebury’s influence on the team will be felt far beyond the playing field.

Collingwood