Pies care and compassion seals connection for 2018 success: Steele Sidebottom

COPELAND Trophy winner Steele Sidebottom has paid tribute to his Pies teammates for their compassion after the death of a close friend two weeks before the end of the season.

Copeland Trophy winner Steele Sidebottom has thanked his teammates for their support after he lost a mate.

COPELAND Trophy winner Steele Sidebottom thanked his Collingwood teammates for the care and compassion they showed to him after the death of a close friend two weeks before the end of the season, saying that depth of connection will lead to a Magpies’ revival next year.

Sidebottom, who won his first club best and fairest on Friday night after previously finishing second, third, fourth and fifth across his career, said he expected a rapid bounce back after four years in the finals wilderness.

COLLINGWOOD FIX: HOW CAN PIES TURN THINGS AROUND IN 2018?

NEW DIGS: PIES HARK IN FUTURE WITH NEW LOGO

Steele Sidebottom is all smiles with the Copeland Trophy, awarded for Collingwood’s best and fairest. Picture: AAP

He also said the reappointment of Nathan Buckley as coach for the next two seasons would be a huge boost ahead of the 2018 season.

“One of my mates went away overseas and they had only been gone for two or three days, and he died,” an emotional Sidebottom said.

“I went to the funeral and I didn’t know it, but five of the (Collingwood) boys rocked up.

“It was a sad day. They didn’t have to come (to the funeral), but they did it for me. I am forever grateful.

“Bucks mentioned it before our last game, when he mentioned how tight the group was.

“You go to training every day these guys, we started last November and we finished up (at the end of) August, and then about 10 of us went away on a trip together.

“We have an awesome bond and I just can’t wait to get back into it.”

Sidebottom has backed in coach Nathan Buckley. Picture: Getty Images

The 26-year-old was “chuffed” to win the Copeland, scoring by one vote from Taylor Adams, saying he thinks he can still take his game to a new level.

“I knew I was a chance, but I didn’t think I would win it,” he said. “You don’t play football for these kind of awards, but it is unreal to do it.

“I would love to maintain (his form) and go a bit further. I am only 26. I hope my best years are ahead of me. I don’t play a lot of time in the midfield. Maybe my spot isn’t in the midfield, but I would still like to get in there a bit.

“It is hard (because) we have an awesome midfield.”

He said Buckley’s reappointment would take the pressure out of the situation and he can’t wait to play under his coach for at least another two seasons.

“When it (the contract issue) was happening, we never talked about it, but now that it is done, I think if you asked the guys, there is a relief it is done,” he said. “When we lost, it wasn’t about is, it was about Bucks, and what he was doing next.”

“I couldn’t have been happier with Bucks being reappointed and coaching on for two more years. It’s a bit of less pressure for everyone.”

Sidebottom pipped improved Pie Taylor Adams for the top gong. Picture: Michael Klein

It was a strong season in trying times for Sidebottom. Picture: AAP

Sidebottom carried the captaincy in the last six weeks when Scott Pendlebury was injured, and said he loved the role, but didn’t envisage getting it full-time anytime soon.

“There is obviously someone in front of me who is not a bad player,” he said of Pendlebury.

“I honestly didn’t change anything, it wasn’t just me, it was Tay (Taylor Adams) and everyone around me.

“Would I like to be the captain of Collingwood? Absolutely. I would happily take it, but I am definitely happy to sit under Pendles.”