Steele Sidebottom will not travel to Queensland hub after logistical complications
Steele Sidebottom was heading back to Queensland this morning, but complications have forced Collingwood to backflip on its original decision just hours later.
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Collingwood’s premiership hopes have suffered a big blow with star Steele Sidebottom to not play again this season.
Coach Nathan Buckley said on Saturday morning the Magpies vice-captain was prepared to travel to Queensland with fiancee Alisha and new baby Matilda ahead of its finals campaign.
Although, the club later confirmed on Saturday afternoon that Sidebotton would now not be leaving Melbourne.
President Eddie McGuire said the plan to jettison Sidebottom up to Queensland was “all go” this morning but tightened restrictions resulted in a change of decision.
“Steele and Alisha have made a call that is completely understandable and one we wholly support,” Collingwood football boss Geoff Walsh said.
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“Their comfort and security as a family was always the most important consideration.”
The club said as late as Saturday morning the new parents were exploring the possibility of leaving their Melbourne home for a period of quarantine in a northern state or territory, to enable Sidebottom to see out the season.
McGuire assured supporters they left no stone unturned in attempting to get their star midfielder to Queensland.
“This morning we thought it was all go but in the quarantine has really tightened up here in Queensland and it is almost impossible to do so,” McGuire told Fox Footy.
The Magpies secured a place in the finals with Monday’s win against Gold Coast. Their elimination final will either be in Perth or Queensland.
West Coast players will begin 14 days of quarantine at home when they fly back on Friday morning and if the Eagles remain fifth they will host an elimination final, most likely on Saturday, October 3.
The visiting team – most likely Collingwood or Western Bulldogs – would complete seven days of hotel quarantine at the Joondalup Resort.
AFL boss Gillon McLachlan said this week the league’s football arm was confident there no integrity problem and both teams would be able to fairly prepare for the clash.
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Originally published as Steele Sidebottom will not travel to Queensland hub after logistical complications