Gippsland Power has appointed Kris Pendlebury as its new head coach going forward.
Pendlebury, the brother of AFL great Scott, replaces Rhett McLennan, who has joined VFL club Casey as head coach.
Pendlebury has spent the past 10
years developing his coaching craft, having coached include Edithvale-Aspendale for the last two seasons, where he was named the 2025 MPNFL Coach of the Year.
He is a former assistant coach at the Northern Bullants (VFL) and Balwyn, and has had a decorated playing career, including captaining Collingwood at VFL level and representing the VFL.
He’s also had stints at Bendigo, Sale and Eltham, all part of the journey in his home coming to the Power, where he was a player in 2003/04.
Pendlebury is 39, and grew up in Sale and spent his junior years in the Power pathway, which included under-15, 16 and 18 programs.
As a result, he jumped at the chance to return when the position opened.
“It’s an opportunity almost too good to be true, and I remains grateful for the chance to guide the next generation of local talent,” Pendlebury said.
Pendlebury believes his past experience will help him support players managing year 12 studies, draft hopes and
personal pressure.
Having faced the same challenges, he understands how stressful the season can become, his ability to relate will be one of his strongest tools.
Pendlebury plans to continue playing
for Edithvale-Aspendale when his schedule allows.
