Pow! Collingwood champ Steele Sidebottom joins Wonthaggi

2010 AFL Premiership teammate of favourite Wonthaggi son, Jarryd Blair, 375-game Collingwood superstar, Steele Sidebottom, has signed on as Wonthaggi Power’s sensational new recruit for the 2027 season.

Also, a mate of former Collingwood player Tristan Francis, now coach of Wonthaggi, Sidebottom was announced as the club’s new signing at lunchtime on Thursday.

Wonthaggi Power Football Netball Club said it was thrilled to be able to announce the news.

“Steele joins us after an incredible 18-season AFL career with Collingwood, where he played more than 370 games, the second most in the Magpies’ history," they said in a post on social media.

“Drafted at pick 11 out of the Murray Bushrangers in 2008, he was the youngest member of Collingwood’s 2010 premiership side.

“He went on to win back-to-back Copeland Trophies (2017 and 2018), the Gary Ayres Medal as best player of the 2018 finals series, All-Australian honours, and two Anzac Day Medals.

“In 2023 he added a second premiership, sealing the Grand Final with a famous long bomb from outside 50.

“But the reason Steele is pulling on the Power jumper has nothing to do with accolades. It comes down to mateship and family.

“Steele has been lifelong friends with our own Jarryd Blair and Tristan Francis, and the chance to play alongside his old premiership teammate Jarryd was the overwhelming factor in his decision.

“Steele, his wife Alisha and their children Matilda, Ned and Beau are looking forward to becoming part of the Power family.

“Steele has been connected with our junior development since 2014 and he looks forward to continuing his work in this space.

“Steele, Alisha, Matilda, Ned and Beau welcome to the Power family. We can’t wait to see you in the Teal, White and Black!”

The addition of Sidebottom will almost certainly boost Wonthaggi’s recruiting and retention power as it presses forward, after a courageous battle against injury in last season’s final series, to take it deep into September next year, and who knows, breakthrough for their first-ever premiership in the Gippsland competition.

Speaking about the announcement, Power president Darren Brown said the club was thrilled to be welcoming Steele on board.

"Yeah, we hoped it might happen but we didn't know how we would go. But yes, it's exciting isn't it," said Brown today.

"Yes, he'll be a great drawcard for sure, not just for members and fans but also for players who want to be around a bloke with the pedigree that Steele has, both on and off the field.

"But more than that it's really about friendships.

"They were all drafted together, Jarryd, Steele and Tristan. Steele said he started his football career with Jarryd, and he'd just like to finish it with him."