AFL luminary Scott Pendlebury has initiated legal proceedings against his former manager, accusing him of misappropriating over $2.1 million from his funds. This unexpected legal battle has thrust the Collingwood midfielder into the spotlight, as he seeks restitution for the alleged financial misconduct.
Pendlebury filed a claim for both loss and damages against Jason Sourasis in the Victorian Supreme Court last Friday. Although the filing was made then, details of the claim have only recently come to light, capturing media attention this week.
According to the court documents, Sourasis had access to Pendlebury’s bank accounts, a privilege granted due to his role in providing financial advice and management services since 2013. This trust, however, appears to have been misplaced.
The documents allege that between January 2015 and December 2023, Sourasis illicitly transferred a substantial $2,148,900 from Pendlebury’s investment account to various accounts linked to him. These transactions, which allegedly exceeded fifty in number, varied from amounts as low as $5,000 to as high as $305,000.
Pendlebury reportedly discovered the missing funds in February. The court filings assert that these transactions were neither in his best interest nor conducted in good faith, highlighting a significant breach of trust.
Pendlebury only became aware the funds were missing in February and he claims the transactions were not made in his interest or in good faith, the documents state.
He also alleges Sourasis has not repaid any of the money.
Pendlebury also claims he lent $300,000 to Sourasis on March 15, 2023, with the understanding it would be repaid the next day.
The agreement changed on March 22 of that year, with Pendlebury accepting it would instead be repaid in six to 12 months with interest, the documents state.
Pendlebury alleges Sourasis has since refused to pay back the loan or any interest that has been accrued.
The footballer claims he has suffered loss and damages as a result of Sourasis’ actions.
Pendlebury is seeking the return of $2,148,900 with interest, as well as an order for restitution of any traceable proceeds of the allegedly misappropriated funds.
He has also made a claim for the $300,000 loan with interest at the rate of 50 per cent a year, calculated from March 22, 2023.
Sourasis has been approached for comment, as have Pendlebury’s manager and legal representatives.
Pendlebury has played 425 games for the Collingwood Football Club, including two premierships in 2010 and 2023.
