Updated ,first published
Dual Collingwood premiership player Steele Sidebottom’s brilliant career will finish at the end of the Magpies’ 2026 season.
The 35-year-old won two club best-and-fairest awards, was named All-Australian in 2018 and was runner-up in that year’s Brownlow Medal. He played a key role in the Magpies’ 2010 and 2023 premierships, and won the Gary Ayres Medal for best player in the finals series in 2018 despite a quiet game in the losing grand final.
His goal from outside 50 metres in the final five minutes of the 2023 grand final is an iconic moment in Collingwood history as it virtually sealed victory for the Magpies when the goal put them 10 points in front.
Sidebottom has played 373 matches since being selected in the 2008 national draft at pick No.11. It places him second behind his teammate Scott Pendlebury on the Collingwood games tally.
The pair holds the AFL record for the most games played as teammates, currently sitting at 339.
Renowned for his silky skills on either side of his body, his game sense, and ability to stay calm under enormous pressure, Sidebottom had to reinvent himself several times over his career, starting as a flanker, moving into the midfield and then ending his career as a winger.
Throughout he kept a trademark smile on his face, the expression remaining even during the heat of battle.
He is a popular teammate and clubman and adored by Magpie supporters. He was admired if not loved by most supporters, a remarkable feat for a Collingwood player.
He was coached by Mick Malthouse, Nathan Buckley and Craig McRae and was club vice captain for eight seasons.
“As a young kid from ‘Tally’ (Tallygaroopna), I could never imagine I’d finish my AFL career with over 370 games, two premierships and 18 years of memories,” Sidebottom said.
“When I look back on my time at Collingwood, I’ll remember the people. 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.”
McRae said Sidebottom’s contribution to Collingwood had been enormous.
“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,” McRae said.
With the Magpies certain to play finals it is unclear when Sidebottom’s final match will be.
At Richmond, Prestia has joined premiership teammate Nathan Broad in ending his career.
Starting his career at Gold Coast, Prestia enjoyed instant success after making the switch to the Tigers in 2017.
The midfielder played in three premierships (2017, 2019, 2020) in his first four seasons at Richmond.
Despite being riddled by injury in 2020 and restricted to just five games during the COVID-affected season, Prestia returned to play an important role in all four of the Tigers’ finals.
“I felt like a Richmond man from the very beginning,” Prestia said.
“My decision to come to Richmond was not to prove what I could do, but to be a part of a club that I saw potential for greatness, and didn’t we prove that right?
“This last 10 years has been everything that I ever dreamt of as a kid, kicking the footy in my front yard and imagining 90,000 fans screaming. Thank you, Tiger Army, for making this happen.”
Prestia and Broad will be given a farewell in front of the Richmond army this Saturday when the Tigers host St Kilda at the MCG.
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