Collingwood vice-captain Steele Sidebottom will not be returning to the club's Queensland hub to play in the Magpies' upcoming finals campaign, per collingwoodfc.com.au.
Sidebottom and partner Alisha recently welcomed the birth of their daughter, Matilda, last weekend as the Magpies star departed his side's hub in August to be there for the birth
“Steele and Alisha have made a call that is completely understandable and one we wholly support,” Collingwood GM of Football, Geoff Walsh, said.
“Their comfort and security as a family was always the most important consideration.”
Both Sidebottom and Alisha were planning on leaving Melbourne to join the Collingwood hub, with the pair having to quarantine before Sidebottom would be made available to play.
However, a number of challenges have restricted the two-time Copeland Trophy winner from being able to take part in the club's upcoming finals campaign.
