Family Strikes a Chord: Pendlebury’s Celebration Revealed as Touching Tribute to Daughter’s Piano Passion
MELBOURNE, 22 June 2025 – For weeks, AFL fans have been captivated by Scott Pendlebury’s unique goal celebrations in the 2025 season. After saluting the crowd following his first major of the year — a gesture later revealed to be a tribute to his son Jax — Pendlebury followed it up with a mysterious hand-motion that sparked widespread curiosity and speculation. Now, the Collingwood veteran has revealed the heartwarming story behind the moment: a special request from his daughter, Darcy.
The former Collingwood captain, who recently passed 400 career games, shared the family-inspired reason behind the celebration in a post-game interview this weekend.
“After Jax got his salute earlier this year, Darcy came up to me and said, ‘Dad, when you kick your next goal, can you play the piano?’” Pendlebury said with a smile. “She’s been obsessed with the piano lately and spends hours each week practicing. That was her way of getting in on the fun, and I couldn’t say no.”
The celebration, which saw Pendlebury mime piano-playing motions with his fingers after drilling a set shot, instantly caught fans’ attention. Social media lit up with theories — some thinking it referenced a viral trend, others suggesting it might be a nod to a teammate. But the true meaning was much closer to home.
Darcy, age 9, has been learning classical piano for three years and recently performed in her school’s recital. According to Pendlebury, she’s as competitive as her father — and equally creative.
“She told me it had to be something everyone would notice,” Pendlebury laughed. “I think she was proud it confused people.”
The 36-year-old’s tribute to his children has added another dimension to his already legendary career. Known for his poise, decision-making, and elegance on the field, Pendlebury has long been referred to as the “quarterback” of Collingwood’s midfield. Now, with the piano fingers, it seems he’s also playing the role of “pianist” in a more literal sense.
Collingwood coach Craig McRae praised the gesture and said it epitomized Pendlebury’s character.
“Scott’s always been about family. Whether it’s setting standards in the locker room or making his kids feel special, he brings that same care and attention to everything he does,” McRae said.
The response from the footy community has been overwhelmingly positive. Supporters have dubbed it “The Darcy Dance” and “The Symphony Celebration,” with some young Magpies fans already mimicking the piano motion after their own backyard goals.
For Pendlebury, who continues to defy age and expectations, the celebration is more than just a playful moment.
“At this stage of my career, every goal is special,” he said. “To be able to share it with my kids in this way — it means the world.”
With Collingwood pushing for another deep finals run, don’t be surprised if Pendlebury finds the goals again — and if Darcy’s next request brings an even more elaborate post-goal performance.
After all, as Pendles puts it: “If my kids are smiling in the stands, I’m doing my job.”
