AFL analyst David King has urged Collingwood and veteran midfielder Scott Pendlebury to hold decisive talks regarding the star's future, suggesting the time has arrived for the decorated stalwart to consider retirement.

King believes the club and its former captain must reach a mutual understanding to avoid an awkward, drawn-out finish for one of the modern era's finest players.

Pendlebury, who boasts a record-breaking games tally and two premierships, now faces mounting debate over whether his illustrious playing days should finally conclude.