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."
The Murray Bushrangers product was drafted with Pick 11 in 2008, and quickly became a much-loved Collingwood figure, cementing his spot in the seniors during the club's run to the 2010 premiership.
Sidebottom was a consistent feature under Michael Malthouse and Nathan Buckley, and produced a career-best season in 2018, claiming his second Copeland Trophy, maiden All-Australian blazer, and Gary Ayres Award (best finals player) as the Pies lost in a thrilling Grand Final clash to the West Coast Eagles.
The classy winger played a crucial role in the Pies' 2023 flag victory, kicking an iconic last-quarter goal against Brisbane to put the margin beyond doubt.
He has played the second-most games for Collingwood, eclipsing premiership captain Tony Shaw in 2024.
Sidebottom was also co-vice captain from 2015 to 2022.
Alongside close friend and teammate Scott Pendlebury, the pair hold the AFL's record for the most games played as teammates, currently sitting at 339.
