Collingwood premiership player Steele Sidebottom revealed he knew 2026 was going to be his last season around Anzac Day earlier this year.
Sidebottom confirmed he will see out the year and is set to line up for his 374th game on Saturday against Hawthorn, with the Pies locked in for at least one finals clash.
"In the back of my mind, I feel like I've known for a little while," Sidebottom said on Triple M.
"I think probably the first time I actually said it out loud was around Anzac Day that I thought this might be the time to finish up. The reason why I have come out and done it is that I feel like it's something I've been thinking about a lot, and I feel like doing it yesterday is one less thing I got to worry about and basically give all of myself to the remaining weeks to the footy club.
"To be honest, I've thought about it a lot, and it's nice to get it off my chest.
"18 years is a long time doing anything, and to be able to spend that much time at one club is something special and something I feel very grateful for."
Sidebottom said he hadn't locked in any plans for next year, and will take things as it comes.
"There probably is a little bit of make-it-up as you go," he said.
"I want to also just finish and sit back and reflect. I won't be rushing out and getting a job. I got a young family I want to spend more time with them. But something will pop up.
"I've been at a great football club with a lot of people there, and I think there will be something that will come up. I don't want to rush into it. I want to enjoy life after footy.
"I think I'm very content with my decision as well. I've been very lucky."
What about the prospect of coaching?
“Probably not, no. I think coaches are almost a little bit of a different breed I think,” Sidebottom said with a laugh at his farewell press conference.
“You've gotta be all in as a coach and I don't think right now I am ready for it, to be honest. It wouldn't be right if I got into coaching because I'm probably not all in.
“I think I will take time to sort of reflect on what has been and just enjoy life after footy.”
