Steele Sidebottom, a seasoned player for Collingwood, and Dion Prestia from Richmond have both confirmed their retirements from the AFL. Sidebottom has been instrumental in securing two premierships for the Magpies, while Prestia has celebrated three championship victories with the Tigers.
Prestia and his teammate Nathan Broad will receive a farewell tribute during Richmond’s match against St Kilda at the MCG this Saturday. Meanwhile, Sidebottom will conclude his playing career as part of Collingwood’s campaign in the finals.
On Thursday, Sidebottom officially informed his teammates of his decision to retire at the conclusion of the current season. This announcement followed closely after Prestia’s retirement announcement.
Making his debut in 2009, Sidebottom has accumulated 373 AFL matches, ranking second in Collingwood’s illustrious history, only surpassed by Scott Pendlebury. At just 19, he was part of the 2010 premiership team and later made a memorable contribution to Collingwood’s victory in the 2023 grand final by scoring a pivotal goal.
With Collingwood assured of at least reaching the wildcard round of the finals, Sidebottom is hopeful for a storybook ending to his career. He previously earned the Copeland Trophy in 2017 and 2018 and was recognized as an All-Australian once.
“As a young boy from Tallygaroopna, I could never have envisioned finishing my AFL career with over 370 games, two premierships, and 18 years filled with memories,” Sidebottom expressed. “Looking back, it’s the people I will cherish most. Numerous teammates, coaches, staff, and volunteers have dedicated their time and effort to support me throughout my journey.”
It’s possible that Sidebottom may not be the only veteran player leaving Collingwood this year, as Pendlebury is also contemplating his future following his record-breaking achievement in VFL/AFL games in May. The Magpies, currently the oldest team in the league, are navigating a transitional phase while striving to maintain their championship aspirations.
At Richmond, Prestia has decided to retire alongside his premiership teammate Nathan Broad. After beginning his career with Gold Coast, Prestia quickly found success upon joining the Tigers in 2017, contributing to three premiership victories in his first four seasons.
Despite facing injury challenges in 2020 and playing only five games during the pandemic-affected season, Prestia returned to make significant contributions during all four of the Tigers’ finals appearances that year. “From the very start, I felt like a Richmond man,” Prestia stated. “My choice to join Richmond was driven by a desire to be part of a club I believed had the potential for greatness, and we certainly proved that to be true.”
This Saturday, Prestia and Broad will be honored in front of their dedicated Richmond supporters as the Tigers take on St Kilda at the MCG.
