Two-time premiership star in tears announcing AFL retirement
Updated . First published at
Collingwood champion Steele Sidebottom has bid an emotional farewell to the AFL, announcing he will hang up the boots at season’s end.
The 35-year-old broke down in tears as he addressed his teammates in a video posted to Magpies socials.
Steele Sidebottom is retiring. AFL Photos
“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.”
Sidebottom was snapped up by Collingwood with pick 11 in the 2008 draft.
He won the 2010 and 2023 grand finals with the Magpies, was All-Australian in 2018 and finished runner-up in that year’s Brownlow Medal voting.
He was also named the 2018 Gary Ayres medallist for best player in the finals series, despite Collingwood losing the grand final.
“There are some players you enjoy watching get around the ground, it’s all smarts, the ball use (on) left foot, right foot, he could play halfback, wing, on ball,” Geelong legend Jimmy Bartel said of Sidebottom on 3AW radio.
“A magnificent player who will be celebrated very well by the Collingwood faithful.”
Sidebottom will finish his career after Collingwood’s last game. The futures of teammates including Scott Pendlebury and Jamie Elliott are up in the air and the team is likely to experience an exodus of premiership players.
The Magpies are headed for the inaugural Wildcard Round which they will have to win to progress to the finals proper. They next take on Hawthorn on Saturday night.
