Sidebottom set to exit, one of Pendlebury and Howe makes sense
Collingwood AFL club is preparing for the retirement of veteran Steele Sidebottom, while the futures of Scott Pendlebury and Jeremy Howe remain uncertain. The club is also actively pursuing Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale.
Why it matters
Highlights the strategic roster management and transition challenges faced by professional sports organizations as they balance aging legends with new talent.
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Share A A A Soon, before the season’s close, Collingwood are expected to announce that their two-time premiership great Steele Sidebottom will retire.
For several weeks, the signs have pointed to Sidebottom finishing at Collingwood this year. After a stellar first half of 2025, when he was close to All-Australian standard, there has been a gradual ebbing of performances on the field for the distinguished 35-year-old.
Big decisions: Collingwood need to manage the eventual exits of club greats Steele Sidebottom and Scott Pendlebury. Getty Images Sidebottom is said to be comfortable with the prospect of finishing his career, which will fall shy of the 400-game mark (370 now), according to sources familiar with his situation.
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