Collingwood champion Steele Sidebottom has found a new AFL home, joining Melbourne as a development coach.
The two-time premiership great retired in September after 375 games across his decorated 18-year career at the Magpies.
Weeks after his final game in the black and white, the 35-year-old was a surprise inclusion on the panel formed by North Melbourne to appoint eventual new coach Jaymie Graham.
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Now, the Demons have secured Sidebottom in their footy department.
“We are thrilled to have someone of Steele’s experience and character joining our football program to help develop our players and take their game to another level,” Melbourne footy boss Ned Guy said.
“He has been part of successful teams, understands what it takes to perform at the highest level and has a really good understanding of the game.
“Steel is a terrific person who will bring a lot to our group, and we are really looking forward to having him around the club and joining our coaching group.”
Sidebottom won flags with Collingwood in 2010 and 2023, received All-Australian honours in 2018, and won back to back best and fairests in 2017 and 2018.
Originally from Tallygaroopna, about 10 minutes north of Shepparton in Victoria’s north, Sidebottom famously kicked 10 goals in the 2007 TAC Cup grand final which saw him rocket up to pick No.11 in that year’s draft.
Last month, he signed with Gippsland League club Wonthaggi, where he will play alongside Collingwood premiership teammate Jarryd Blair.
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