The Player - It is difficult to remember that Sidebottom is only 21 years of age, considering his seamless transition into senior football. The youngest of five brothers, Sidebottom has played 61 of a possible 70 games since his debut in round seven, 2009, and has tasted defeat on only 11 occasions. He is one of the fittest players at the club, and his engine, coupled with his goal sense, has made him a versatile option for his coaches. His disposal on both sides of his body is a feature of his game, as is his tenacious tackling. Although he hasn't quite managed to crack Collingwood's starting midfield combination, he has delivered when given the opportunity. His reputation as a finals specialist, fueled by a best afield display in the 2008 TAC Cup U18 Grand Final, was sealed in 2010 when he was one of Collingwood's best in both the drawn Grand Final and the replay. Displaying composure and sure hands, Sidebottom was runner up to Scott Pendlebury in the Norm Smith Medal in the premiership victory. Along with Sharrod Wellingham, Dayne Beams and Jarryd Blair, he represents the next generation of Magpie midfielders.
2011
Premiership success continued to follow him as he was a member of the side’s NAB Cup triumph over Essendon. Didn’t miss a match all year despite having only just turned 21 on the eve of the season. Improved in all statistical facets of his game, highlighted by his 28 disposal and three goal performance against the Western Bulldogs in round six that earned him three Brownlow votes.
Continued to establish himself as a tenacious tackler, a standout performance of 11 tackles against West Coast in round 10 adding to his 107 for the season. His impact lessened as the year wore on, kicking only three goals in his last seven games. Didn’t let the side down in the Grand Final, though, with 23 possessions and two goals in the loss to Geelong.
2010
Backed up his exciting finish to 2009 to play 25 of the 26 games in the club’s premiership year. Missed only one match due to a calf strain, and contributed 24 goals. His personal highlight was a five goal, 16 disposal haul against the Kangaroos in round seven.
Won a career-high 28 disposals in round 21 against Adelaide, and saved his very best for the finals. Kicked three against the Bulldogs in the qualifying final, two against the Cats in the preliminary final, and was one of Collingwood’s cleanest ball users in the Grand Final draw with St Kilda. Came within a whisker of a Norm Smith Medal seven days later when he accrued 25 possessions and kicked two goals. Finished eighth in the Copeland Trophy - a remarkable effort considering he was yet to turn 21.
2009
Spent the first six weeks in the VFL before opportunity knocked at senior level. Paul Medhurst’s late withdrawal paved the way for Sidebottom to debut against St Kilda on a Monday evening at Docklands in round seven. Despite the 88 point shellacking, Sidebottom was not disgraced as he gathered 22 disposals.
He made steady progress, yo-yoing between the seniors and the VFL for much of the year to play 11 games in total. Came of age in the semi final against Adelaide when he had a career high 25 disposals, 10 tackles and seven marks as the Pies won by less than a kick. The night confirmed Sidebottom’s status as a big game player, remarkable considering he was only 18 years of age.
2008
Played for the Murray Bushrangers U18s in the TAC Cup. Represented Vic Country at the U18 National Championships. Sprung to prominence in the TAC Cup Grand Final, when he kicked 10 goals, had 34 possessions, 14 marks and 10 clearances from the midfield to win the TAC Medal. Was selected by Collingwood with pick No 11 in the National Draft.
2007
A member of the AIS-AFL Academy intake.
Debut
Round 7 2009 v St Kilda at Docklands Stadium
Milestones
- 50th Game - Round 16 2011 v North Melbourne at the MCG.
Draft History
2008 AFL Draft 1st round selection (Collingwood) No. 11 overall.
