Pendlebury revealed in June that he was playing on next season, with 2025 marking his AFL 20th season. And on Thursday it was announced he, Sidebottom, Howe and Hoskin-Elliott had been given new contracts for next season.
“All four are highly valued and play integral roles for our program both on and off the field,” Collingwood’s list manager Justin Leppitsch said. “Their leadership and experience are invaluable to our environment and each of them plays a key role in educating and guiding our next generation of young talent.”
Pendlebury, Will Hoskin-Elliott has also recommitted to the club for another year. Hoskin-Elliott has been a versatile player since joining Collingwood and his ability to adapt to various roles makes him a valuable asset. By securing his services for another season, Collingwood is ensuring that they retain a player capable of contributing across multiple areas on the field. These re-signings are part of a broader strategy by the club to solidify their core group of players while they assess potential external recruits to address any gaps in their lineup, particularly in key defensive positions and the midfield.
Parallel to these player movements, Collingwood is also dealing with significant off-field changes. The club is currently in the process of finding a replacement for their former football boss, Graham Wright. Wright, who played an instrumental role in the club’s recent successes, including managing the salary cap and overseeing key player acquisitions, chose not to return after taking a sabbatical following the 2023 premiership season. His decision to step away has left a noticeable void within the club’s football department. Wright’s contributions were pivotal in stabilizing Collingwood’s financial and player management strategies, which had previously been under strain.
The absence of Wright has prompted the club to reflect on how this leadership gap may have impacted their performance during the 2024 season. Despite having capable interim leaders such as Brendon Bolton and Justin Leppitsch, who have taken on additional responsibilities, the lack of a permanent football boss has been a challenge. Coach Craig McRae acknowledged the difficulty of replacing someone of Wright’s caliber, both professionally and personally, noting the deep friendship and mentorship Wright provided during his tenure. As Collingwood prepares for the next season, the search for a new football boss will be a critical decision, one that could shape the club’s strategic direction in the coming years【8†source】【9†source】.
This period of reflection and restructuring marks a pivotal moment for Collingwood, as they aim to build on their recent successes while addressing the challenges that have arisen in the wake of leadership changes and the evolving needs of their player roster. The decisions made in the coming months will likely determine the club’s trajectory as they strive to return to the top of the AFL ladder.
