BREAKING: Former Collingwood Captain Scott Pendlebury Files $3 Million Lawsuit Against Former Manager Jason Sourasis Over Alleged $2.1 Million Misappropriation
In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the AFL community, former Collingwood captain and football legend Scott Pendlebury has filed a $3 million lawsuit against his longtime manager and friend, Jason Sourasis, accusing him of misappropriating over $2.1 million from his personal investment accounts over nearly a decade.
Pendlebury, one of the most respected figures in Australian Rules football, lodged the claim in the Supreme Court of Victoria earlier this week. The 36-year-old alleges that Sourasis, who had managed his professional affairs since the early years of his AFL career, secretly redirected funds from Pendlebury’s investments and personal accounts without his knowledge or consent.
According to court documents, the alleged misconduct dates back to 2015, when Pendlebury entrusted Sourasis with full control over his investment portfolio and financial planning. The lawsuit claims that instead of managing the funds responsibly, Sourasis used his access to funnel large sums into “unauthorized transactions,” personal ventures, and “unexplained expenses” that benefited neither Pendlebury nor his family.
Sources close to the matter say the alleged financial discrepancies came to light after Pendlebury engaged a new financial advisor late last year, who uncovered inconsistencies in several investment reports and account summaries. Following a detailed audit, Pendlebury’s legal team reportedly traced the missing funds to multiple accounts linked to entities allegedly connected to Sourasis.
“This is an incredibly painful moment for Scott,” a source close to the Pendlebury family told reporters. “He trusted Jason not only as a manager but as a close friend for many years. To discover something like this is heartbreaking.”
Pendlebury, who captained Collingwood from 2014 to 2022 and holds the club record for most games played, has built a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and loyalty—both on and off the field. His decision to take legal action has reportedly been made only after months of internal investigation and failed attempts to reach a private resolution.
In response, Jason Sourasis, through his legal representatives, has vehemently denied all allegations, calling them “baseless, misleading, and defamatory.” He insists that every financial decision made on Pendlebury’s behalf was “fully authorized” and “transparent.” Sourasis also stated his intention to vigorously defend himself in court, claiming that the lawsuit is the result of a “misunderstanding” and “miscommunication” between former partners.
The AFL Players Association and Collingwood Football Club have both declined to comment on the specifics of the case, citing ongoing legal proceedings. However, several former teammates have expressed public support for Pendlebury, describing him as “a man of honour” and “someone who always puts his family and teammates first.”
As the case proceeds, it is expected to shine a light on the financial vulnerability faced by professional athletes, many of whom rely heavily on trusted advisers to manage their wealth. For Pendlebury, the ordeal represents a deeply personal betrayal that has left him determined to seek accountability and justice.
The matter is scheduled for an initial hearing next month, with both sides preparing for what could become one of the most high-profile legal battles in Australian sports management history.
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