Steele Sidebottom takes development coaching job at Melbourne
The dual premiership winner joins the Demons after ending an 18-year playing career at Collingwood in September.
Melbourne has added Steele Sidebottom to its coaching staff, appointing the retired Collingwood player to a development role. Sidebottom, 35, ended his AFL playing career in September, having played 375 games across 18 years with the Magpies.
Ned Guy, Melbourne’s football boss, said Sidebottom would help players improve by drawing on his experience in successful sides. Guy said his knowledge of the game and understanding of the requirements of top-level performance would benefit the club.
The appointment follows Sidebottom’s involvement in North Melbourne’s search for a coach. He joined the selection panel after his final match, with that process resulting in Jaymie Graham taking the job.
Sidebottom’s playing honours include Collingwood’s 2010 and 2023 premierships, along with All-Australian recognition in 2018. He also won the Magpies’ best-and-fairest award in successive seasons, in 2017 and 2018.
He has also agreed to play at Wonthaggi in the Gippsland League, where fellow Collingwood premiership player Jarryd Blair will be a teammate.
