Could Scott Pendlebury be in a new set of stripes come 2025?
The Collingwood veteran comes out of contract at the end of 2024, with suggestions that the floundering Kangaroos should chase after the two-time premiership player's services for at least one season.
If Pendlebury isn't offered another contract with the Pies but has the urge to play on, Matthew Lloyd believes up to 10 clubs could be chasing him.
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And Lloyd believes North Melbourne would stop at nothing to land the superstar at Arden Street.
"I think he'll have eight to 10 clubs (after him). That's the challenge North's going to have. I think they will be queuing up for him and they will bend over to do whatever he wants them to do, to get him in that club," Lloyd said on Nine's Footy Classified on Wednesday night.
"Potentially, I think it will be on for young and old that much (to land him)."
If Pendlebury does decide to retire, however, Lloyd believes he could be poached for a coaching role at the Kangaroos, who are yet to win a game in 2024.
"Could we see there's an (agreement with North), that 'you will be our next senior coach'?" Lloyd asked.
Jimmy Bartel echoed Lloyd's coaching hopes, declaring that a move to North Melbourne could help Pendlebury become a more well-rounded leader.
"If he wants to coach, eventually be a senior coach, that (a move to North) would round him out, because you get to see the biggest club (Pies) and a club that's developing (North)," Bartel said.
"It's another element to add to his development."
Leading AFL journalist Damien Barrett is confident a move to Arden Street could save the struggling club.
"On ground, if he wants to get his 37-year-old body through one season, maybe two if it works out," he said.
"The effect he would have on a (Harry) Sheezel, a (George) Wardlaw, a (Colby) McKercher, a (Zane) Duursma and even a (Nick) Larkey, who is an experienced player."
But Eddie McGuire was quick to shut down suggestions Pendlebury, who has played all of his almost 400 games in the black and white, would make such a shock move in the twilight of his career.
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"Before Collingwood fans jump out the window, I know Scott pretty well and he wants to finish in black and white stripes," McGuire said.
"The only caveat that I'd put (a move down to) is if he thinks he had another year left and Collingwood decided no (to offering him a new contract).
"That wouldn't be a good marketing ploy. It just wouldn't enhance it (his reputation).
"I think all things being equal, Scott Pendlebury finishes at Collingwood, then he can look at his coaching career after that."
Collingwood has a 3-3-1 record after seven rounds, heading into their blockbuster clash against rivals Carlton on Friday night at the MCG.
More than 90,000 fans are expected at the game.
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