Sports · Other Sports · 2 hrs ago
Steele Sidebottom to play for Wonthaggi Power in 2027
Steele Sidebottom will play for Wonthaggi Power in 2027 after retiring from Collingwood and the AFL at the end of 2026.
Wonthaggi Power is a club in Victoria’s Gippsland League, and Sidebottom will join former Collingwood teammate Jarryd Blair and coach Tristan Francis.
Friendship and family were central to his decision, especially the chance to finish his football career playing alongside Blair.
Sidebottom spent 18 seasons at Collingwood and won two premierships, along with several individual honours.
His signing brings an experienced former AFL star to the local club as it looks to build its team for next season.
He has also been involved in Wonthaggi’s junior development since 2014 and plans to continue that work.
Steele Sidebottom has signed with Wonthaggi Power and will play for the Gippsland League club in 2027.
He retired from Collingwood and the AFL at the end of 2026.
Wonthaggi said Sidebottom’s friendships with Jarryd Blair and Tristan Francis, and the chance to play alongside Blair, were central to his decision.
Sidebottom’s family is also expected to become part of the club community.
The sources give different totals for his senior games: Zero Hanger reports 370, while Sentinel-Times reports 375.
- Who
- Steele Sidebottom, a former Collingwood player.
- What
- He has signed with Wonthaggi Power to play in 2027.
- When
- The club announced the signing on October 15, 2026; he is set to play in the 2027 season.
- Where
- Wonthaggi Power in the Gippsland League.
- Why
- The club said friendship and family were the main reasons, including the chance to play with former teammate Jarryd Blair.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Sidebottom retired from Collingwood and the AFL.
Wonthaggi Power announced that Sidebottom had signed with the club.
Sidebottom is set to play for Wonthaggi Power.
- New club
- Wonthaggi Power
- Competition
- Gippsland League
- Playing season
- 2027
- Former AFL club
- Collingwood
- Former teammate at Wonthaggi
- Jarryd Blair
3 sources
What people are saying
But the reason Steele is pulling on the Power jumper has nothing to do with accolades. It comes down to mateship and family.
Yes, he'll be a great drawcard for sure, not just for members and fans but also for players who want to be around a bloke with the pedigree that Steele has, both on and off the field.
But more than that it's really about friendships.