Trade talk: Suns "chips in" on unsigned Pies legend

Scott Pendlebury remains unsigned ahead of 2027, and the Gold Coast Suns are reportedly all in on the veteran Collingwood midfielder.

After breaking the all-time games record this season, the soon-to-be 39-year-old is keen to carry on, prepared to go around once more next season.

However, the Pies are yet to offer their star veteran a deal as they weigh up their list build from ’27 and beyond.

Keen to fulfil his desire to play on, Pendlebury is reportedly open to assessing his options, and as SEN’s Tom Morris reports, the Suns are well and truly set on Pendles’ signature.

“I can’t overestimate this – Gold Coast is chips in for Scott Pendlebury,” Morris told SEN Locked In.

“They are all in for Scott Pendlebury. They want him to play for them next year. The Suns would love Pendlebury to play next year at the club.

“Whether this involves a coaching deal beyond that, I’m sure that will all be sorted out.

“The belief is that he is at least a reasonable chance, maybe even slightly better to look at that deal seriously in the next few weeks when he makes a call at the end of the season. Collingwood or Gold Coast.”

Kane Cornes wonders whether the interest spawns from a future coaching perspective.

“Obviously, he is going to be a mentor and a leader,” Cornes added.

“I felt like the Sam Mitchell to West Coast was 55 per cent play, 45 per cent coach, then transition into coach.

“Do we even know if he wants to coach?”

Morris: “I think he wants to coach down the track, I but think he would like a year off after he retires. So that’s 2028.”

Clearly still capable of playing at the top level, Pendlebury has averaged 22.5 disposals and four clearances per game as he and the Pies approach the Wildcard Final.

The elimination bout against the Western Bulldogs is set for this Friday night at the MCG.