Scott Pendlebury handed one-match suspension
The Collingwood champion has been rubbed out for the first time in his career.
7news.com.auHere’s the latest I can share based on recent coverage:
Pendlebury’s tribunal result from March 2026: his one-match suspension was downgraded to a fine of $3,000 after consideration of exceptional and compelling circumstances, allowing him to line up for Collingwood in Round 3 against GWS Giants. This outcome was reported by Collingwood FC and AFL media on March 16, 2026. [cite ][cite ]
After the tribunal, Pendlebury remained on track to continue pursuing the AFL games record, with reports suggesting he could equal or surpass the record in the weeks following the March 27 match if he played and remained suspensions-free. [cite ]
There has been significant ongoing media interest around Pendlebury in 2026 due to his long, un-suspended career and the potential to reach the all-time games record, including post-tribunal coverage and related AFL Tonight discussion. [cite ]
If you’d like, I can pull the exact phrasing from the tribunal statements or summarize how the “exceptional and compelling circumstances” clause was argued in Pendlebury’s case, with direct quotes. Would you like me to do that? [cite ]
The Collingwood champion has been rubbed out for the first time in his career.
7news.com.auA spine-tingling ovation for Collingwood champion Scott Pendlebury as he reaches his 43rd touch to rewrite his personal-best in game 431
www.afl.com.auScott Pendlebury has faced the AFL Tribunal.
www.collingwoodfc.com.au.
www.sbs.com.auScott Pendlebury challenges his one-match ban for rough conduct at the Tribunal
www.afl.com.auThe extra man on the bench is allowing the 38-year-old more freedom as he chases down the all-time games' record.
7news.com.au