A KNOCKABOUT country lad partial to a few beers, Steele Sidebottom is the first to admit there was a time he appeared destined for mediocrity.

Instead, Sidebottom took a good, hard look at himself and lifted his standards to become one of Collingwood's finest players of the modern era.

WHO'S CALLED IT QUITS 2026's retirements and delistings

"Maybe I was kind of drawn to the rat pack a little bit when I was younger," retiring star Sidebottom said on Friday.

"My upbringing – I was one of the boys, I have four older brothers, love to have a beer and I guess I probably struggled finding the right balance. 

"I feel like I've always put everything into my footy but there were some things away from footy that I had to change."

Sidebottom believes meeting his wife Alisha was a turning point.

"I had to make some changes. I was a professional footballer – I wasn't a part-time footballer," Sidebottom said.

"I was just doing what was required. I wasn't going over and above.

"I was also in my early 20s, and there's a lot of distractions out there as well, and friends and family. 

"My friends weren't doing the same as what I was doing – a few tradies back at Shep (Shepparton) – often I'd get sucked into going back home on the beers with them or whatever it was. 

"But also, I think I wouldn't change anything as well. I've had such a great career and one that I'm proud of."

Sidebottom has played 373 AFL games – the second-most in Collingwood history behind Scott Pendlebury.

The classy midfielder decided 2026 would be his last season before this year's Anzac Day match – a stage where he was twice best on ground.

Sidebottom wanted to expend his energy on enjoying football, rather than agonising over a decision.

"I've made the decision and now I can just give everything I've got for the last remaining games," he said.

A member of Collingwood's 2010 premiership side as a 19-year-old, Sidebottom kicked a famous goal late in the 2023 Grand Final to help seal the club's next flag.

He is daring to dream of a fairytale ending.

"Every team that I've ever run out on the field with, I've always believed we can win and I think this group's no different," Sidebottom said. 

"We've always got 23 out there, like everyone else. We're very well coached, and I believe that what we've got here's good enough."

That starts with Saturday's MCG blockbuster against high-flying Hawthorn.

"To be honest, I'm just looking forward to playing it," Sidebottom said.

"It's been a big week of all about me a little bit so it's nice to get on and worry about the team and play some footy."