Steele Sidebottom is fully embracing the festivities of AFL Grand Final week as he enters the fifth decider of his career this Saturday.
The 32-year-old played in three Grand Finals in his second and third years, as well as in 2018 and said he is looking to lap up every moment of it this year.
“I’d like to think I’m a bit more mature and wiser than back then,” he said of his experience in 2010 and 2011.
“I was just young and just thought that was normal, like I debuted in 2009 and played in a Prelim and then a couple of Grand Finals after that.
“I probably took it for granted a little bit and now that I’m a little bit older and understand that they don’t come around that often I really want to make sure that take everything in, enjoy the occasion.
“There’s no point shying away from it, we’re very lucky and I’d love to be a part of it every year.”
As one of the more experienced players in the team, Sidebottom will provide a level head on Saturday for many of his teammates playing in their first Grand Final.
But Sidebottom said there were plenty of people across all parts of the Club that players can lean on when looking for advice leading into the game.
“We’ve got plenty of experience with guys at the footy club, coaches as well so I think everyone will lean in on everyone at some stage.
“It’s a fresh opportunity for me and a few of the other guys as well so we’re really looking forward to the challenge and embracing the whole week.”
While disappointed for teammates Daniel McStay and Taylor Adams who will miss the clash with Brisbane through injury, Sidebottom was excited for the opportunity it presented tall Billy Frampton.
“It’s disappointing to see guys miss out with Tay and Macca, it seems like this time of year there’s always those stories,” he said.
“As disappointing as it is for them, they’ve still got a role to play for us – they’re both leaders at our footy club.
“It presents an opportunity for Chooka (Frampton), and he’ll just go out there and hopefully play a role for us.
“The big strength I believe in Chooka is he’s got that real aggression and I think that stands up in big games.
“We’re not expecting him to do too much, just create a contest forward or back, but it’d be nice if he did kick five that’s for sure.”
The wingman said much like the previous two finals the Pies have played, the game will come down to who defends best.
Backing in everyone to contribute on the scoreboard, Sidebottom said if his side could restrict Brisbane’s dangerous forward line it would go a long way to winning the game.
“I’d like to think everyone chips in at some stage,” he said.
“I think at this time of the year it’s defence that wins games of footy and it’s probably showed in the past as well that usually the best defensive teams win the big games.
“If we can keep our opposition to a low score we believe we can pip that by whatever margin it is.
“We’ll look to defend well and hopefully kick enough points at another end.
“They’ve been defensive games the last few games and teams are hard to break through at times and it’s not always easy to score.”
The Magpie Army once again turned out in droves at open training on Thursday, with Sidebottom thanking the supporters for their continued support leading into the big game.
“They never seem to disappoint the fans, I said earlier not matter what we have in they always turn up and we love that about them,” he said.
“To have so many supporters here today makes it so much more enjoyable.”
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