COLLINGWOOD midfielder Steele Sidebottom is the youngest of five boys, all of whom play footy. This weekend he's not the only one of those brothers who's going for a premiership.
The second oldest brother, 28-year-old Tyson, is the captain of Goulburn Valley League club Shepparton United. On Sunday, Tyson hopes to lead United to victory over Mooroopna in their Grand Final at Deakin Reserve in Shepparton.
Tyson describes himself as a "ruck-rover" similar in style to 'Rus', as in Rusty, which is what the boys called Steele. Although not keen to talk himself up, Tyson admitted that he's having his best season.
When asked whether this was because of extra training or a change in diet, he hesitated before saying no.
"I just feel fitter," he said.
Shepparton United president Ray Dobson said Tyson has the best aerobic capacity he's seen in his many years in country footy. Dobson spoke of the qualifying final against Echuca three weeks ago when Echuca led at every change.
Tyson hauled his team over the line to win by four points.
"He had 39 touches," Dobson said. "That's commonplace for him.
"He gives everything—and he doesn't waste a kick."
The Sidebottom boys are: Trent (30), Tyson (28), Josh (26), Ryan (22) and Steele (20). Tyson and Josh work together, making concrete panels in Shepparton.
The only one of the brothers who plays with Tyson at Shepparton United is Ryan, who played in last year's premiership team but has missed out on the team for this Sunday's Grand Final.
Ryan concentrates his sporting energy on cricket. At 188cm, he's a fast bowler who’s hoping to break into the seniors at Premier Cricket club Carlton this season.
A cousin, Mitchell Sidebottom, a 198cm ruckman, is the only other member of the family who'll join Tyson in Shepparton United's bid for its second successive flag.
Tyson and his brothers grew up in Tallygaroopna, a small town 20 kilometres north of Shepparton. Much of their childhoods were spent playing epic footy matches in their backyard.
They were three-on-two matches played on half a ground in which a trampoline served as the goals. Tyson was unable to remember any particular incidents, but you'd think the matches were willing.
Their father Noel passed a rule that all the boys had to kick on their non-preferred foot because the backyard was small.
"Rus was kicking both sides by 10 or 11," Tyson said. "It was always said that if he was switched on, he would play AFL."
By "switched on", the family meant not following the lead of his most talented brother. Tyson played in the under-15 and under-16 squads with TAC Cup club Murray Bushrangers, but then gave the Bushies away before playing in the under-18s.
"I lost interest and just wanted to play with my local club," he said.
Tyson played at Tallygaroopna until he was 22. In 2005, his final season there, he played in the club's premiership team with brothers Trent and Josh.
Tallygaroopna defeated Stanhope by a point. Tyson was best on ground.
In recent years the brothers have dispersed. Besides the Shepparton United connection, Trent plays with Tungamah while Josh continues to play with Tallygaroopna. Their father tries to watch them all.
This Saturday all the men of the Sidebottom family, except Tyson, will be at the MCG to watch Steele. Tyson is staying home in preparation for his own Grand Final.
On Sunday all the Sidebottoms except, most likely, Steele, will be at Deakin Reserve. The only way Steele will get there is if Collingwood loses and he is spared of commitments for a few hours.
"Anything can happen in a Grand Final," Tyson said.
Below: Tyson, Noel, Ryan and Steele Sidebottom
pic courtesy of Garry Osborn Photography, www.osphotos.com.au
