Steele Sidebottom will retire at the end of Collingwood’s 2026 campaign.
Photo by
JAMES ROSS
“As a young kid from ‘Tally’, I could never imagine I’d finish my AFL career with over 370 games, two premierships and 18 years of memories.”
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Those are the opening words of Collingwood star Steele Sidebottom’s address to fans after he announced he will retire from the AFL at the end of the Magpies’ 2026 campaign.
Born and raised in the tiny outskirts town of Tallygaroopna and playing his junior football at neighbouring football club Congupna, Sidebottom evidently has never forgotten his roots across a decorated career at the top flight.
After a memorable 10-goal haul in the 2008 TAC Cup grand final, Collingwood selected Sidebottom with pick 11 in the National Draft.
He more than repaid the club’s faith.
Three hundred and seventy-three games and counting has included two premierships, one in 2010 after the infamous draw with St Kilda, and another 13 years later in 2023, when Sidebottom would roost a set shot from outside the 50m arc with less than five minutes remaining, a goal that would seal Collingwood’s 16th flag.
Steele Sidebottom of Collingwood celebrates as Collingwood win the AFL grand final between Collingwood and Brisbane Lions.
Photo by
AAP Newswire
Across the journey, Sidebottom’s other accolades are nearly countless.
A two-time All-Australian selection, two-time Collingwood best-and-fairest winner, co-vice captaincy across an eight-season span, and a podium finish in the 2018 Brownlow Medal count are some of the most notable.
The one-club legend has played the second-most games in Collingwood history, and was also the second Magpie to play 350 club games, reaching the milestone a touch over a year ago.
Steele Sidebottom at Deakin Reserve in 2008 ahead of the AFL’s National Draft.
Sidebottom thanked Collingwood and the black and white army as the club announced the 35-year-old’s decision to hang up the boots.
“When I look back on my time at Collingwood, I'll remember the people,” Sidebottom said.
“So many teammates, coaches, staff and volunteers have invested their time and energy into helping me along the way. I'm grateful for every one of them.
“To the Magpie Army, playing in front of you is an incredible privilege – there is nothing like running out for a game knowing our fans are behind us.
“Your loyalty, passion and love for the black and white are what make Collingwood such a special place.
“I feel incredibly lucky to have spent my entire AFL career at Collingwood.
“Watching Matilda, Ned and Beau become part of the club has been one of the greatest joys of my career.
“We'll always be grateful for the love and support we've received from the Collingwood community.”
Collingwood coach Craig McRae commended Sidebottom as one of the greatest ever Magpies, let alone Goulburn Valley product.
“Steele's football speaks for itself,” McRae said.
“His consistency, professionalism and ability to perform under pressure have been remarkable throughout his career.
“But for me, his greatest strength is his character.
“He's authentic, caring, humble and has a wonderful way of bringing people together. That's why he's so respected by everyone at our club.”
Sidebottom will pull on the black and white striped guernsey against Hawthorn and Brisbane at the MCG in the league’s final two rounds of the home and away season, before Collingwood’s finals campaign begins.
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