Collingwood great Scott Pendlebury has relinquished his duties as captain of the club ahead of the 2023 season.
On Monday the club announced the veteran midfielder will hand over the captaincy ahead of the new season, seeing an end to his nine-year reign.
โTo Captain an AFL Club is one of the greatest honours and it is not something I have ever taken for granted,โ Pendlebury said in a club statement.
โIt has been an absolute privilege to lead this side for as long as I have.
โAt 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.
โI 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.
โThis year, I have shared in what feels like a new era of Collingwood โ with new coaches, staff and a young playing group โ and we have all witnessed what we have been able to create. It seems timely that we welcome a new Captain for season 2023.โ
Collingwood will begin a process to appoint the club's 48th captain, with the likes of 2022 leadership group members Darcy Moore, Taylor Adams, and Jeremy Howe sure to be in the mix.
Pendlebury, Collingwood's longest-serving skipper, was handed the role of captain ahead of the 2014 season, taking the role from 2010 premiership skipper Nick Maxwell.
The 34-year-old has led the Magpies in 206 games, a Collingwood record. He informed his teammates of his decision on Monday.
