Steele Sidebottom to retire at the end of 2026 season

Collingwood premiership player Steele Sidebottom has confirmed he will retire at the conclusion of the 2026 AFL season. The 35-year-old has played 373 matches since being drafted in 2008, ranking him second in games played for the club behind teammate Scott Pendlebury.

Sidebottom’s career highlights include two premierships with the Magpies in 2010 and 2023, two club best-and-fairest awards, and an All-Australian selection in 2018. He also won the Gary Ayres Medal for best player in the 2018 finals series and was the runner-up for the Brownlow Medal that same year.

Throughout his 18-year career, Sidebottom transitioned from a flanker to a midfielder and eventually a winger. He served as club vice captain for eight seasons and has been coached by Mick Malthouse, Nathan Buckley, and Craig McRae.