Gallery | Steele Sidebottom hosts footy clinic at Congupna

By Daniel Webb

Aug 4, 2022

One of the Congupna Football Netball Club’s favourite sons returned home last Thursday (July 28), with Steele Sidebottom taking to the hallowed turf of the Road’s home ground.

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While the 283 game Collingwood star was not back at the Congupna Recreation Reserve to play football, he was there to share his knowledge with some of the club’s future stars.

Sidebottom joined forces with Congupna’s junior football coaches for the training session, running some of the club’s youngsters through drills.

In action: Congupna under-13 player Hamish Moore looks to make a move. Photo by Daniel Webb

He said it was good to give a little bit back to his former club, especially in the wake of COVID-19.

“This is where I started all my footy, so it’s good to get back and see the kids and how happy it makes them,” Sidebottom said.

“I think Congupna is probably one of the stronger clubs in terms of numbers, but it is disappointing to see since COVID-19 a lot of the juniors probably don’t even field teams.

Happy days: Congupna under-13 player Cooper O’Brien enjoying the action. Photo by Daniel Webb

“It’s disappointing to see but hopefully things like this help more kids get involved and get footy to how it was before the break.”

While the midfielder still has plenty of professional football left in his legs, he remained open to a return to his former club in the future.

Listen in: Steele Sidebottom gives advice. Photo by Daniel Webb

”Let’s hope so,“ he said.

“To be honest once I’m finished at Collingwood hopefully that means I can’t play anymore and hopefully I’ve been there for a while, but if my body is still willing I’d love to come back and play again for sure.

“I always check the scores and that from the weekend but it’s obviously hard for me to get back and watch, but they’re doing well at the moment, so it’s good to see.”