Collingwood contract latest on Will Hoskin-Elliott, Steele Sidebottom and Oscar Steene

A vital utility is closing in on a new deal as he enjoyed a resurgent season while Steele Sidebottom’s chances of playing into a 17th season are firming.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 10: Steele Sidebottom (left) and Will Hoskin-Elliott of the Magpies celebrate during the 2024 AFL Round 13 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Melbourne Demons at The Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 10, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Valued Collingwood utility Will Hoskin-Elliott has begun talks on a new deal as veteran teammate Steele Sidebottom remains a live chance of playing into a 17th season.

Hoskin-Elliott has enjoyed a strong season typically plugging gaps for Craig McRae, having filled roles across the forward line, wing and half-back.

He has kicked a goal in eight of his 13 games, while gathering at least 17 touches in three of the other matches.

Steele Sidebottom and Will Hoskin-Elliott could be both back next year. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

During a roller coaster season for his team, the 2023 premiership player has been a crucial contributor and has begun discussions with the Pies, with a one-year deal for 2025 looming most likely.

The rangy former Giant was due to play his 166th match in Magpie colours on Friday night against Geelong, having featured 52 times for GWS before moving to Victoria at the end of 2016.

Sidebottom has played 15 of Collingwood’s 16 games this year and while his numbers have dipped, he has been another important factor across the wing and half-back.

With Scott Pendlebury inching towards a new deal – as revealed by this masthead last month – and Jeremy Howe keen to play on, Collingwood’s three oldest players could each be back next season.

Sidebottom fires a handball. Picture: Michael Klein

A final decision on Sidebottom is expected later in the year but should he avoid injury and land a new deal, he will be in line to follow Pendlebury as the only Magpies to reach 350 games.

Young ruck Oscar Steene is another Magpie expected to get into contract talks soon.

The uncapped 201cm big man has been sidelined by toe injury for most of this season and has returned to running, with the hope to return to the VFL field late in the season.

With Mason Cox battling injury, Darcy Cameron has been left to shoulder the ruck burden solo for much of this season and the Pies will require ready made ruck depth next year.

Aside from veterans like Sidebottom, Pendlebury and Howe, the Pies have locked in most of their top players for next season, with linebreaker Oleg Markov one notable player without a deal.

Josh Carmichael and Nathan Murphy will both drop of the list, having medically retired due to concussion.

Originally published as Collingwood contract latest on Will Hoskin-Elliott, Steele Sidebottom and Oscar Steene