Pie 4 Life
Hall of Famer
Steele Sidebottom
There was an aura surrounding the man with the #22 guernsey accepting his premiership medallion on October 2nd, 2010. He was widely accepted as the second best player on the ground behind the Norm Smith medallist Scott Pendlebury. As many pundits predicted, he was ready to stamp himself on the competition.
In 2011, Steele Sidebottom didn’t quite reach the hype predicted for him, but he did show his consistency, to play every game in a top two team. Averaging 19 disposals and a goal, he had quite a number of ups and downs. His best game came against the Western Bulldogs in Round 6 when he collected a career-high 28 disposals and booted three goals. Steele managed to prove his consistency by not collecting below 13 disposals in any game, while also being one of the few who could hold his head high in the Grand Final for his 23 disposals and two goals.
Steele Sidebottom had proved once again he was a big game player, and despite only being 20, has managed to play in two grand finals, for one premiership. The boy from Congupna has already made his mark, and like 2011, many are waiting for him to make the next step.
He has composure beyond his years and a great goal sense which has made opponents more accountable. Along with his footballing traits, his huge grin and cheeky attitude and made him a cult hero among not only supporters, but around the world, after winning ‘Name of the Year’. In 2012, I expect Steele to take that next step, which midfield coach Robert Harvey has said he will aim to do, and allow Sidebottom to spend more time in the middle. If that is the case, expect to see a lot more Steele in the middle.