In a contest brimming with pace and pressure, Collingwood’s seasoned maestro Steele Sidebottom orchestrated a clinical performance to guide the reigning premiers to a telling victory over a fast-starting Sydney Swans outfit in the Gather Round showcase at Adelaide Oval.
Sidebottom’s mastery of the moment — his calm amid the chaos — once again reminded the football world why experience matters. The 34-year-old was instrumental from the outset, providing structure and leadership in a Collingwood midfield unit that overwhelmed Sydney in key moments and ultimately pulled away for a hard-fought win.
Sidebottom’s Brilliance Defies Age
While fellow veteran and long-time teammate Scott Pendlebury continues to seemingly age in reverse, Sidebottom wears the marks of time. His hairline may have long receded and his top-end speed diminished, but his football IQ is sharper than ever.
From the first bounce, Sidebottom exerted his influence, guiding the Magpies with his smart positioning, elite decision-making, and clean disposal. He operated at a different tempo to the frantic pace of the game, bringing a sense of control and clarity when the match was at its most chaotic.
Unlike Pendlebury, whose graceful style masks his years, Sidebottom’s grit and craftiness have always been more evident than his athleticism. But what he may lack in pace, he more than compensates for with vision and guile.
Collingwood’s Experienced Core Proves Pivotal
Much has been made of Collingwood’s aging list, but instead of being a burden, it’s proving a strength. Week after week, the Magpies demonstrate that experience — when backed by fit bodies and sharp minds — can still dictate the tempo of modern AFL.
On Friday night, that experience helped Collingwood navigate a fiercely contested battle against a youthful, hungry Swans side that brought the heat but lacked the polish when it mattered most.
Where Sydney relied on pace and intensity, Collingwood countered with composure and precision — traits embodied by Sidebottom throughout his 300-plus game career.
A Midfield Star Emerges Alongside a Master
The emergence of 194cm midfielder Ned Long provided the perfect foil for Sidebottom’s savvy. Long, who is still relatively raw, put together what may well be remembered as his breakout game. His sheer size and physicality created space and opportunities for the smaller Collingwood mids to exploit.
Despite occasional scrappiness, Long’s determination at stoppages and relentless running were crucial. His tenacity around the contest helped Collingwood win the midfield battle, particularly in the absence of some key regulars.
“Long is untidy at times, but there’s room for that in a Collingwood engine room that otherwise contains so much polish,” noted coach Craig McRae after the game. “His endeavour and presence gave us another gear tonight.”
Nick Daicos Delivers Despite Close Attention
As always, Nick Daicos drew heavy scrutiny, with Sydney’s James Jordon tasked with limiting his influence. Yet Daicos found ways to impact the game, particularly in moments when Collingwood surged forward.
Even when not statistically dominant, Daicos’ ability to attract attention frees up teammates — a tactical advantage not lost on the Magpies coaching staff. And with Daicos facing double-teams, Sidebottom and Long took full advantage of the extra space and mismatches.
Sydney Falters in Crucial Moments
While Sydney brought aggression and tempo to the contest, they struggled in critical moments. The Swans’ intensity was matched by Collingwood’s resolve, and when the match required calm heads and creative flair, the Magpies delivered while Sydney faltered.
The Swans lacked a reliable target in their forward line, and their attempts to launch attacks through quick transitions often resulted in turnover and counterattack. Hayden McLean provided glimpses, and Isaac Heeney spent time in the midfield to spark change, but Sydney’s structures lacked the cutting edge.
The loss of Joel Amartey to a hamstring injury before halftime further blunted the Swans’ aerial threat. His absence was keenly felt, and may pose longer-term structural concerns for a side still searching for consistency in 2025.
Forward Line Woes Continue for Swans
Sydney’s lack of a genuine contested marking presence was once again laid bare. Their forward line, lacking cohesion and firepower, struggled to convert opportunities. The absence of Amartey exacerbated the issue, forcing the Swans to attempt awkward adjustments on the fly.
Tom McCartin was forced to swing forward in a desperate reshuffle — a move that has rarely yielded dividends in the past. With Buddy Franklin retired and Logan McDonald still developing, Sydney’s forward line remains a puzzle with no easy fix.
By contrast, Collingwood’s targeted acquisitions of Tim Membrey and Dan McStay have added depth and versatility. While neither are household names, their reliability and impact are growing by the week, proving to be astute pick-ups for a team built for immediate success.
A Statement Win for Collingwood
This win was more than just four points — it was a statement from the reigning premiers. Collingwood entered Gather Round with questions about form and depth but emerged as a clear contender once again.
Every decision made by McRae and his staff has been designed for immediate success, and the results speak for themselves. With key veterans still performing at elite levels and emerging stars like Long stepping up, the Magpies look well-positioned to contend deep into September once again.
And with Sidebottom continuing to play the role of the wise conductor — guiding his team with calm precision — the Magpies are set to squeeze every last drop out of a golden generation before their window finally shuts.
Conclusion: Steele the Standard
At 34, Steele Sidebottom may not be the flashiest player on the park. He may not have the spring in his step he once did. But what he offers in leadership, experience, and sheer football intelligence makes him invaluable.
Friday night was a masterclass — a reminder that while the game may get faster and younger, there remains no substitute for football smarts. Sidebottom doesn’t need to chase the game; the game comes to him.
And if the rest of the league wasn’t already worried, they should be now — because Collingwood, led by one of the AFL’s most ageless wonders, is finding its ominous groove just as the season heats up.
