Premiership players Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom were admitted into the exclusive company of life members, while retiring Director Mark Korda was also recognised with Life Membership for his contribution to Collingwood. A Special Services Award was presented to Dr. Helen Szoke AO who was acknowledged for her meaningful work as Co-Chair of the Club’s Expert Advisory Group following the Do Better Report.
Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom – Life Membership
Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom were recognised with Life Membership Awards as they embark on their 18thand 15th AFL seasons, respectively.
Pendlebury has so far played 358 games for the Club and led Collingwood as Captain on 206 occasions. Both are Club records. After a nine-year tenure as Captain, the 34-year-old announced this week he would hand over the reins ahead of the 2023 AFL season.
The six-time All Australian, five-time Copeland Trophy winner and three-time Anzac Day Medallist has played more matches at the MCG than any player in VFL/AFL history (224 games) and played a pivotal role in the 2010 Premiership where he was recognised as the best on ground, taking home the Norm Smith Medal.
Sidebottom has played 298 games for the Club across 14 seasons so far and was only a second-year player when he etched his name in the history of Collingwood as a member of the 2010 premiership side.
The now 31-year-old has achieved team and individual success that has included selection in the 2018 All Australian team, an Anzac Day Medal, a Gary Ayres Award and two Copeland trophies.
Collingwood President Jeff Browne congratulated the pair and thanked them for joy they gave to Collingwood fans as part of the 2010 Premiership.
“On behalf of the Collingwood Football Club, I congratulate Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom on receiving Life Membership and thank them for their continued service to our Club,” Browne said.
“In 2010 Scott, Steele and their teammates created history and gave Collingwood Members and supporters a special moment that we will forever cherish – an AFL Premiership.
“As we have seen this year, special moments continue to be created and we look forward to achieving more success with both players at Collingwood.
“Life Membership is our Club’s highest honour – Scott and Steele, as Premiership players, deserve this recognition and we sincerely thank them for their contribution to Collingwood over a sustained period which has forever enriched the story of our Club.”
Mark Korda – Life Membership
Mark’s contribution to the Collingwood Football Club was recognised with a Life Membership Award as he retires from the Board after 15 years of service.
Joining as a Club Director in 2007, Mark also served as Vice President for many years and became the 13th President of the Club in 2021.
President Jeff Browne thanked Mark for his long history of service to the Collingwood Football Club.
“Mark brought great experience and expertise to the Board from his background in finance and he has helped guide Collingwood through a period of growth, playing a key role in managing the Club’s finances throughout that time,” Mr Browne said.
“Mark was responsible for the establishment of the Club’s Future Fund and, as Chair of the Finance and Risk Committee, he has overseen the redevelopment of the Club’s facilities at Olympic Park and the establishment of The Glasshouse Event Space.
“We thank Mark for his contribution and his valuable guidance at Board level and to Club staff during his time as a Director.”
Dr. Helen Szoke AO – Special Services Award
Dr. Helen Szoke AO has been a long-time supporter of the Club since her arrival in Melbourne in the 1970s. Dr. Szoke was acknowledged today for her instrumental role in guiding the critical work following the Club’s Do Better Report.
Over a 20-month period Dr. Szoke AO was Co-Chair of the 13-member Expert Advisory Group that helped steer the implementation of the Report’s 18 recommendations and ensured the Club made valuable progress in how it addresses and responds to racism.
Dr. Szoke AO is the former Chief Executive of Oxfam Australia, and a commentator and advocate on issues of human rights, poverty, inequality, gender and race discrimination.
“I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to work so closely on an issue of such importance. I feel humbled to be in the company of Club giants who have had a long and impactful association with the Club,” said Dr. Szoke AO.
“I have loved being part of this work. I commend the willingness of the players, Board, staff and Club Members to take up the challenge to eradicate racism, and also to authentically address the pain felt by those who have experienced racism.”
President Jeff Browne commended Dr. Szoke AO for her contribution to the Club’s important work.
“We sincerely thank you, Dr. Helen Szoke for your dedication, passion and commitment in guiding the critical work following the Do Better Report,” Browne said.
“We know that the ongoing cultural change we are working towards takes time and persistence and we are committed to investing in programs and resources to achieve lasting change.”
Life Membership
Mark Korda
Scott Pendlebury
Steele Sidebottom
Special Services Award
Dr. Helen Szoke AO
