‘I’ll remember the people’: Collingwood great Steele Sidebottom calls time

After 18 seasons, 373 games and two premierships, Collingwood champion Steele Sidebottom has announced he will retire from AFL football at the end of the Magpies’ 2026 campaign. Love or hate the Magpies, it’s hard not to love the ever-smiling “Sidey”.

The 35-year-old informed teammates, Collingwood’s AFLW players and club staff of his decision on Thursday afternoon. For Sidebottom, though, the farewell wasn’t so much about the medals and milestones.

“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.”

Sidebottom arrived at Collingwood from Tallygaroopna in northern Victoria with pick 11 in the 2008 national draft and made his AFL debut the following season.

By the age of 19 he was a premiership player, part of Mick Malthouse’s Collingwood side that defeated St Kilda in the 2010 Grand Final replay.

Thirteen years later, he was a premiership player again.

His huge set shot from outside 50 metres late in the 2023 Grand Final against Brisbane remains one of the enduring moments of Collingwood’s four-point victory.

Sidebottom has played 373 games and counting, placing him second on Collingwood’s all-time games list behind his great mate Scott Pendlebury.

Fittingly, the pair also hold the VFL/AFL record for the most games played together as teammates, currently standing at 339.

Along with the 2010 and 2023 premierships, Sidebottom won Collingwood’s Copeland Trophy as best and fairest in 2017 and 2018, was named All-Australian in 2018 and twice won the Anzac Day Medal.

He also served as Collingwood vice-captain for eight seasons.

But when announcing his retirement, Sidebottom spent much of his time talking about those who had shared the journey.

“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,” he said.

He also had a message for the Collingwood faithful.

“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.”

Sidebottom spoke warmly about his family and the experience of watching his children Matilda, Ned and Beau grow up around the football club.

“Having my family become part of the Collingwood family has been one of the greatest joys of my career,” he said.

Collingwood coach Craig McRae said Sidebottom would leave a considerable mark on the club.

“Steele’s football speaks for itself. His consistency, professionalism and ability to perform under pressure have been remarkable throughout his career,” McRae said.

“But for me, his greatest strength is his character.”

McRae described Sidebottom as “authentic, caring, humble” and someone who had an ability to bring people together.

Sidebottom’s career isn’t finished just yet, with Collingwood guaranteed a place in at least the AFL’s wildcard round.

And there was no mistaking where his attention now lies.

“There’s still more exciting football ahead of us over the coming weeks,” he told the Magpie Army.

“Get behind us and let’s finish off 2026!”