Collingwood star Steele Sidebottom has claimed a second Anzac Medal with his best on ground performance at the MCG, remarkably almost a decade after his first.
Claiming the full three votes from all four Medal judges, Sidebottom becomes the oldest ever Anzac Medal winner at 34 years and three months - eclipsing the efforts of teammate Scott Pendlebury who held the record at 31 yrs and 108 days.
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Sidebottom, who claimed his first Medal as best player in the 2016 Anzac Day match, wound back the clock on Friday to rack up a stunning 36 disposals - 22 of them contested and 15 clearances, seven inside 50s and four tackles.
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The veteran fought off tough competition from brothers Josh (36 disposals, 761m gained) and Nick Daicos (32 touches, 11 clearances, nine inside 50s, almost 620m gained and a goal) and forward Jamie Elliott (five goals) to claim the top honour in the annual Anzac Day clash.
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“We’re both very lucky to be able to represent the whole AFL on this day,” Sidebottom said in his award speech, referring to both clubs.
“Such a special day, one we all look forward to and go the Pies!”
Fox Footy greats Garry Lyon and Jonathan Brown were stunned by Sidebottom’s form at the age of 34.
“A very worthy Anzac Day Medallist who just keeps getting better – I don’t think I’ve seen Steele Sidebottom play better footy,” Lyon praised.
“Benjamin Button, isn’t he?” Brown added.
“Amazing turnaround from early last season. He was fantastic. We love watching Steele Sidebottom.”
Even Magpies teammate Tim Membrey was left in awe of Sidebottom’s work ethic.
“I am (marvelling), but there’s no shock because of how much work he does behind the scenes,” he told foxfooty.com.au.
“His training standards are just elite. He’s nearly played 350 games and he looks like he could play another 100 I reckon.”
The win brings Sidebottom within one Anzac Medal win of record holders Collingwood star Scott Pendlebury and Essendon’s James Hird who have three to their name.
A Collingwood player has now won the Anzac Day medal eight times in the past 11 matches.
Speaking post-match, Collingwood coach Craig McRae was full of praise for his veteran.
“I said to him in the third quarter: ‘God Steele, you’re going well today’ – and he had about 13 clearances at that stage,” he laughed.
“He’s had a terrific season to date.
“He’s training really well, putting a lot of time into his fundamentals. He’s playing really good footy right now.”
Despite the retirement speculation surrounding Sidebottom and teammate Pendlebury, the Pies veteran said he was determined to play on.
“I know no different,” he said.
“While we’re still performing, it makes the job harder of the younger guys trying to take our spot as well. At the end of the day, we’re not going to be there forever; someone is going to take my spot at some stage – while I’ve still got it, I’ll keep doing it.”
FINAL VOTE COUNT
Abbey Holmes (Channel Seven – Chairperson)
3. Steele Sidebottom
2. Jamie Elliott
1. Josh Daicos
Nathan Buckley (Fox Footy)
3. Steele Sidebottom
2. Josh Daicos
1. Jamie Elliott
Chris Johnson (NIRS)
3. Steele Sidebottom
2. Jamie Elliott
1. Josh Daicos
Gavin Wanganeen (Australian Football Hall of Fame Member)
3. Steele Sidebottom
2. Jamie Elliott
1. Josh Daicos
