BREAKING NEWS: “I’VE MADE UP MY MIND”
Collingwood Veteran Steele Sidebottom Drops Bombshell Decision on AFL Future
In a stunning announcement that has sent shockwaves through Olympic Park, Collingwood legend Steele Sidebottom has officially made up his mind: the **2026 AFL season will be his last**.
The 35-year-old veteran—a titan of the club with 373 games and two premierships to his name—blindsided head coach Craig McRae, the coaching staff, and the wider football world by informing his teammates that he will hang up the boots at the end of the Magpies’ current campaign.
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“I’VE MADE UP MY MIND.”
— Steele Sidebottom addressing his Collingwood teammates
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End of an 18-Year Legacy
Drafted back in 2008 with Pick 11, Sidebottom has been an indispensable pillar of the black-and-white stripes for nearly two decades. From launching onto the scene as a 19-year-old in the 2010 premiership team to kicking the iconic long-range goal in the closing stages of the 2023 Grand Final, his place in Magpies lore is firmly etched. He trails only his long-time comrade Scott Pendlebury on Collingwood’s all-time games list.
While many expected the durable winger to potentially push deeper into the late stages of his career, Sidebottom decided the time was right to step aside on his own terms.
> **”In a way, I’m kind of relieved that I’m done now and I can put all of my focus towards the remaining games I’ve got for the footy club,”** Sidebottom shared. **”I’ve been thinking about it for a while and I just think now is a great time for me to hand the reins over… I feel comfortable leaving the footy club knowing what’s coming through.”**
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A Career by the Numbers
| Career Metric | Stat |
|—|—|
| **AFL Games Played** | 373+ (2nd all-time at Collingwood) |
| **AFL Seasons** | 18 (2009–2026) |
| **Premierships** | 2 (2010, 2023) |
| **Copeland Trophies (Best & Fairest)** | 2 (2017, 2018) |
| **All-Australian Honors** | 1 (2018) |
Eyes Set on One Final Flag Ride
Despite dropping the bombshell mid-week, Sidebottom made it clear that his focus hasn’t drifted to life beyond the boundary line just yet. With Collingwood locked into finals action once again, the veteran is determined to end his storied career with the ultimate prize.
> **”Making this decision now allows me to fully focus on what’s ahead for us, so I can’t wait,”** he said. **”There’s still more exciting football ahead of us over the coming weeks. Get behind us and let’s finish off 2026!”**
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Sidebottom will run out for game 374 this weekend against Hawthorn at the MCG, where the Magpie Army will no doubt give one of their greatest sons the deafening ovation he deserves.
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