BREAKING NEWS: Collingwood football Fans Reacts in Shock as Coach Craig McRae makes Surprising statement Announcing that midfielder Pendlebury who is currently the best player has been made the….see more

BREAKING NEWS: Collingwood Football Fans React in Shock as Coach Craig McRae Makes Surprising Statement Announcing That Midfielder Pendlebury, Currently the Best Player, Has Been Made the… See More

In a press conference that left jaws on the floor and fans scrambling for their phones, Collingwood Football Club coach Craig McRae stunned the AFL world today by making an unexpected announcement about star midfielder Scott Pendlebury.

The moment came during a seemingly routine media session at the AIA Centre, when McRae paused, smiled cryptically, and then delivered the line that no one saw coming:

“As of today, Scott Pendlebury… has been made the official team barber.”

Yes, you read that correctly.

While supporters braced themselves for news of a sudden retirement, coaching role, or even a shock trade, McRae revealed that Pendlebury – who at 37 continues to dominate the midfield and defy age – has taken on a new role: responsible for all player haircuts for the remainder of the season.

The Locker Room Barber Shop

“Scotty’s always been precise, calm under pressure, and stylish – everything you want in a midfielder and a hairdresser,” McRae said, straight-faced. “He’s been giving fades to half the team already. We figured, why not make it official?”

Sources close to the club say Pendlebury began cutting teammates’ hair during the 2024 pre-season as a joke, but soon found himself booked solid before games. “He gives a better fade than my guy in Fitzroy,” said forward Jamie Elliott. “I won’t let anyone else near my mullet.”

Fans React

Social media was flooded with disbelief, laughter, and a fair bit of admiration.

• @Pies4Life82 tweeted: “Thought he was retiring. Nearly choked on my meat pie. Barberbury is born.”
• @FootyRumoursDaily posted: “First LeBron opens a school, now Pendles opens a salon. Legends evolving.”
• @SarahLovesFooty wrote: “Glad he’s not leaving the club, but Craig you gave me a heart attack.”

A Legacy Beyond the Field

While some wondered if this was a prank, the club later confirmed the news, posting a video of Pendlebury lining up clippers next to his locker. In the video, Darcy Moore can be heard shouting, “Oi Pendles, line me up before the presser!”

Despite the unexpected career pivot, McRae reassured fans that Pendlebury remains a critical part of Collingwood’s finals campaign.

“He’s still our best on ground most weeks,” McRae said. “We’re just letting him express himself in other areas. And hey – he saves the club thousands on haircuts.”

What’s Next?

While the statement shocked many, it also served as a reminder of Pendlebury’s unique place in AFL history: a leader, a legend, and now, apparently, a licensed stylist.

As one fan put it outside the stadium, “Only Pendles could pull off 30 touches and a taper fade in the same afternoon.”