FOOTY EARTHQUAKE: STEELE SIDEBOTTOM SET TO PLAY ON IN 2026 – WITH HIS BEST MATE BY HIS SIDE!
Australian Rules Football has been rocked by one of the most heart-warming and electrifying announcements of the year: Collingwood superstar Steele Sidebottom has officially confirmed that he will extend his career into the 2026 season. Even more incredible, the Magpies veteran will continue his journey alongside one of his closest mates, setting the stage for a story of loyalty, legacy, and love for the game that AFL fans will never forget.
For months, speculation circled around Sidebottom’s future. After years of excellence, premiership glory, and unforgettable performances in black and white, many insiders believed 2025 might mark the end of his storied career. But the football world underestimated the determination and spirit of the 35-year-old warrior. Instead of walking away, Sidebottom has stunned the AFL community by deciding to lace up the boots once more, driven not just by passion for Collingwood, but by the unique opportunity to share the field with a lifelong friend.
The announcement spread like wildfire, sending shockwaves through the AFL media landscape and igniting emotional responses from fans everywhere. Social media platforms were flooded with celebratory posts, videos, and emotional tributes from Magpies supporters who hailed the decision as a “fairy-tale chapter” in club history. Many described Sidebottom’s move as the perfect example of what makes footy special — mateship, resilience, and an unbreakable bond to the jumper.
Collingwood coach Craig McRae praised the decision, calling Sidebottom “a living symbol of everything the Collingwood Football Club stands for.” He emphasized that Sidebottom’s leadership, experience, and professionalism remain invaluable assets for the young players coming through the system. “He’s not just still playing great football,” McRae said, “he’s mentoring the next generation every single day. Having him back in 2026, especially alongside his best mate, is something priceless.”
The identity of that best mate, who will share the field with Sidebottom in 2026, adds another layer of excitement to the story. The bond between the two players has long been admired within the club, and their joint decision to extend their careers together has been described by teammates as “the ultimate act of footy brotherhood.” For fans, the chance to see two club favourites continue their journey side by side has created a wave of anticipation for next season unlike anything in recent memory.
Beyond the tactical and sporting impact, the announcement carries a deep emotional weight. In an era when loyalty in professional sport is often questioned, Sidebottom’s commitment to Collingwood — and to his mate — feels like a reminder of the true heart of the game. It is a declaration that footy is not just about goals and trophies, but about bonds formed in the locker room, on the training track, and under the bright lights of the MCG.
As 2026 approaches, all eyes will be on Collingwood. Can Sidebottom and his mate inspire one last magical run toward AFL glory? One thing is certain: this decision has already etched itself into football folklore, proving that sometimes, the greatest victories happen before the first bounce of the ball
