**“Meet Collingwood’s New Steele – and His Journey Is Lighting Up the Ladder”**
Collingwood fans have been served a double dose of “Steele” this season. Veteran champion **Steele Sidebottom** continues to defy age and expectations, while a promising youngster, **Roan Steele**, has arrived mid‑season and is already stamping his mark on the Magpies’ charge to the top.
### **A Tale of Two Steel(e)s: Youth Meets Experience**
At 34, Sidebottom remains a linchpin for Collingwood. Repositioned into the centre bounce and wing roles by coach Craig McRae, he has rediscovered elite form—averaging some of his best career numbers in disposals, clearances, and tackles. Data analysts rank him among the top 50 players in the AFL based on his contributions in four successive rounds. His revival is widely credited to McRae’s tactical move and the club’s renewed focus on conditioning for its veteran brigade ([Sport Nation][1]).
In stark contrast, **Roan Steele** is just starting to write his Magpies chapter. Drafted 8th in the 2025 AFL Mid‑Season Draft from West Perth (via Casey in the VFL), he averaged 21.1 disposals per game in WAFL ahead of the move—a testament to his consistent performance ([collingwoodfc.com.au][2]). At 23, he arrived in Melbourne not knowing a soul at Collingwood and on a short contract, but immediately impressed coaches and teammates alike with his maturity, fitness and adaptability ([afl.com.au][3]).
### **Contrasting Paths, Shared Purpose**
Sidebottom and Roan Steele couldn’t be more different in their football trajectories. Sidebottom is a club warrior—331 games and counting, two premierships (2010, 2023), two Copeland Trophies, and a game‑breaking tagger and midfield presence. His resurgence this year proves he’s still a match‑winner, especially in high‑pressure moments where composure and smarts matter most ([collingwoodfc.com.au][4]).
Meanwhile, Roan represents a story of resilience and determination. Overlooked at the draft’s start, he forged his way into the AFL ranks via hard work and consistency. Despite being new, his training ethic and ball use have already earned praise from national recruiting manager Shane O’Bree as a player who “can make an instant impact” ([collingwoodfc.com.au][2]).
### **Why This Double‑Steele Story Matters**
Collingwood’s midfield is deep, and yet the team continues to demand high output from all contributors. Sidebottom provides leadership and reliability in the engine room, while Roan Steele brings youthful energy and fresh legs to the rotation. Their contrasting qualities are creating a powerful synergy—experience guiding enthusiasm.
Moreover, the narrative sings of Collingwood’s ability to sustain success by blending legacy players with new aspirants. It’s the kind of storyline that resonates with fans who remember Sidebottom’s early brilliance and now excitedly discuss who the next big name might be.
### **Looking Ahead**
With Collingwood leading the AFL ladder and pushing towards finals, both Steel(e)s have pivotal roles to play. Sidebottom is a rock, a trusted veteran anchoring midfield stability. Roan Steele, meanwhile, appears poised to seize opportunities as they arise—his performance trajectory suggests a strong chance of senior selection in upcoming rounds.
This season, Collingwood’s unexpected duo of Steel(e)s embodies the blend of tradition and transition that defines a club aiming to stay at the top. And as fans share this odd yet compelling storyline—younger Steele carving his path alongside the living legend Steele—expect it to trend across forums and social media.
Both Steel(e)s: one is enduring greatness; the other is promising new beginnings. Together, they’re adding chapters to Collingwood lore that fans will cheer for years.
