BREAKING NEWS: “I WILL KEEP FIGHTING JASON SOURASIS UNTIL MY LAST BREATH” — Scott Pendlebury leaves the Magpies faithful stunned with a shock retirement decision while continuing his financial and legal showdown! Is he close to winning? Find out below!
In a stunning development that has rocked the AFL world, Scott Pendlebury has announced his immediate retirement from the Collingwood Magpies, declaring he will continue battling his former financial adviser in a protracted legal dispute that has overshadowed the twilight of his decorated career.
Pendlebury, one of the most respected figures in modern AFL history, confirmed that his decision to step away from football was influenced by the emotional and mental toll of an ongoing lawsuit against his former manager, Jason Sourasis. The case, currently before the Supreme Court of Victoria, centres on allegations that more than $2 million was transferred from Pendlebury’s accounts without his knowledge or consent. With interest and additional claims, the total amount in dispute is reported to be close to $3 million.
“I will keep fighting Jason Sourasis until my last breath,” Pendlebury reportedly told close associates, a statement that has since sent shockwaves through the Magpies community. Sourasis has denied the allegations, and the matter remains before the courts.
The dispute marks a dramatic chapter in what had previously been viewed as a trusted, long-term professional relationship. Sourasis had overseen aspects of Pendlebury’s financial affairs for years, making the breakdown both financially significant and deeply personal.
Compounding the situation have been broader business setbacks. Pendlebury was an investor in Progression Fitness Club, a gym based at Olympic Park, which collapsed following the financial strain of COVID-19 lockdowns. Another venture, Bare Water, a premium bottled water brand he co-founded, faced trademark hurdles and branding challenges that slowed its commercial progress.
Despite these setbacks, the veteran midfielder has worked aggressively to stabilise his financial position. In recent seasons, he secured a media role with Channel 7 and expanded endorsement partnerships, diversifying his income streams ahead of retirement. He has also been involved in lifestyle and wine ventures tied to AFL milestones, demonstrating a clear pivot toward post-football enterprise.
Still, the emotional strain of legal proceedings — combined with the demands of elite competition — appears to have weighed heavily. Pendlebury was just games away from further cementing his place in AFL history, making his retirement announcement all the more surprising.
So, is he close to winning?
Legal experts suggest that commercial disputes of this magnitude can take months, even years, to resolve. While Pendlebury’s legal team is said to be confident in its documentation and financial trail, outcomes in civil litigation are rarely predictable. At present, there has been no court ruling in his favour, meaning the battle remains ongoing rather than nearing a definitive conclusion.
For Collingwood supporters, the focus now shifts from what might have been on the field to the legacy Pendlebury leaves behind. A premiership captain, multiple All-Australian, and one of the game’s most durable performers, his football résumé is secure. Off the field, however, a different contest continues — one he has made clear he intends to pursue relentlessly.
As Magpies Nation processes the shock retirement, one thing is certain: while Scott Pendlebury’s playing days are over, his fight is far from finished.
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