Two-time Collingwood premiership player Steele Sidebottom has announced he will retire at the end of the club's 2026 campaign.
The 35-year-old informed the club on Thursday that this year will be his last, following a stellar 18-year career.
Debuting in 2009, Sidebottom has kicked 213 goals and played 373 AFL games -- the second most in Collingwood's storied history, only behind Scott Pendlebury.
A member of the Magpies' 2010 premiership side as a 19-year-old, Sidebottom then kicked a famous goal late in the 2023 Grand Final to help seal the club's next flag 13 years later.
With Collingwood guaranteed to be in the wildcard round of the finals, at least, Sidebottom will be hoping for a fairytale farewell.
The versatile midfielder won Collingwood's Copeland Trophy in 2017 and 2018, also earning All-Australian honours once.
"When I look back on my time at Collingwood, I'll remember the people. So many teammates, coaches, staff and volunteers have invested their time and energy into helping me along the way. I'm grateful for every one of them," Sidebottom said.
"To the Magpie Army, playing in front of you is an incredible privilege - there is nothing like running out for a game knowing our fans are behind us. Your loyalty, passion and love for the black and white are what make Collingwood such a special place.
"I feel incredibly lucky to have spent my entire AFL career at Collingwood. Watching Matilda, Ned and Beau become part of the Club has been one of the greatest joys of my career. We'll always be grateful for the love and support we've received from the Collingwood community."
Magpies coach Craig McRae said Sidebottom's football and impact on Collingwood speaks for itself.
"His consistency, professionalism and ability to perform under pressure have been remarkable throughout his career. But for me, his greatest strength is his character. He's authentic, caring, humble and has a wonderful way of bringing people together. That's why he's so respected by everyone at our club," McRae said.
"We couldn't be more grateful for what Steele and his family have given to the Collingwood Football Club. We wish Steele, Alisha, Matilda, Ned, Beau and the entire Sidebottom family all the best for the future. Their contribution to our club has been immense and they will always be welcomed home at Collingwood."
Sidebottom's announcement came just hours after Richmond midfielder Dion Prestia also called it quits less than a kilometre away at Punt Rd.
Prestia has joined premiership teammate Nathan Broad in ending his career.
Starting his career at Gold Coast, Prestia enjoyed instant success after making the switch to the Tigers in 2017.
The midfielder played in three premierships (2017, 2019, 2020) in his first four seasons at Richmond.
Despite being riddled by injury in 2020 and restricted to just five games during the Covid-affected season, Prestia returned to play an important role in all four of the Tigers' finals.
"I felt like a Richmond man from the very beginning," Prestia said.
"My decision to come to Richmond was not to prove what I could do, but to be a part of a club that I saw potential for greatness, and didn't we prove that right?"
Prestia and Broad will be given a farewell in front of the Richmond army this Saturday when the Tigers host St Kilda at the MCG.