Saturday will mark a special milestone for Collingwood vice-captain, Steele Sidebottom who will celebrate his 250th AFL match.
Selected by Collingwood with pick 11 in the 2008 AFL Draft, the midfielder went on to make his AFL debut against St Kilda in Round 7, 2009.
Just one year later at 19-years-old, he was the youngest member of Collingwood’s 2010 Premiership side.
From there, he went on to play of his best seasons back-to-back. In 2017, he was presented with his first Copeland Trophy before backing it up with his second in 2018 while also honoured as an All-Australian that same year.
Now in the 12th-year of his career, he’s racked up a total of 168 goals, 6087 disposals and 972 tackles throughout his time in the black and white.
One of the most respected and admired people at the club, Sidebottom said Collingwood has helped shape the person he is today.
“I came to the club as a kid and I’ve not only grown as a footballer but I’ve definitely grown a lot as a person,” Sidebottom told collingwoodfc.com.au.
Reflecting on his career to date, Sidebottom paid tribute to the role that his partner Alicia has played in his football journey.
“It probably took me a few years to realise what needed to be done for me to be a good footballer and I think meeting Alicia at the time I did really smartened me up,” he said.
“There’s no doubt she’s had a big impact on me as a footballer but also me as a person and the way I carry myself away from the footy club.”
Having played with over 120 teammates, he said two players in particular have played a key role in helping him develop into the player he is today.
“Out of the 250 games, I’ve played 231 with Pendles. He keeps me calm, keeps me composed and when things aren’t going right I can always look to him.”
“Someone I loved playing alongside and always knew what you were going to get from was Maxy. As a leader of the footy club, what he brought out on the footy field and his competitiveness, he’s definitely up there with some of the best players I’ve had the luxury to play with.”
Sidebottom said that despite not winning the 2018 premiership, there was something very special about that group that will stay with him forever.
“2018 was by far my favourite year of footy. I want other guys to go through the same things I did as a youngster and be able to experience how lucky we are.”
“To see others get as much enjoyment out of (that season) was just as rewarding as going through it myself. So that season is one I’ll remember forever.”
Despite reaching this special milestone and also having turned 30 earlier this year, Sidebottom said his main goal is to continue to drive success at the club and help get the best out of the group.
“I want to keep coming into footy and put my best effort forward, whether that means I play 70 more games or 25, I just want to do the best I can for as long as I can.”
“You get to go out there with a group of mates that are so close…the enjoyment a team gets out of success would far outweigh what an individual would get out of it.”
