Trent Bianco a high draft fancy with similarities to Collingwood’s Steele Sidebottom

He might work at Lazy Moe’s, but Trent Bianco is no slouch. On the football field, the Oakleigh Chargers captain is a running machine likened to Collingwood’s Steele Sidebottom.

Trent Bianco of the Oakleigh Chargers is a top AFL draft prospect.

He might work at Lazy Moe’s, but Trent Bianco is no slouch.

On the football field, the Oakleigh Chargers captain is a running machine whose performances on a wing in the NAB League this year have lifted him high in AFL draft calculations.

“I just try and run and work my opponent over,” Bianco said.

“I really enjoy it on the wing or as a midfielder. I feel like I play my best footy there and can play to my strengths.”

Having finished school last year, Bianco has spent much of this year working at his dad’s restaurant in Oakleigh.

It is just down the road from the Chargers’ home and has been the source of the club’s Thursday night pasta meals this year.

“I take orders, I make drinks, I take out food and just communicate with customers,” Bianco said.

“It’s got me in a good headspace for footy. I’ve had a nice balance.”

Trent Bianco has been compared to Collingwood’s Steele Sidebottom. Picture: Mike Owen/Getty Images

Bianco’s year in football has not been confined to Oakleigh, which he led to a premiership.

The Collingwood supporter also made the Vic Metro side and played off a half-back flank in the under-18 national championships, finishing as the equal-third ranked general defender at the tournament.

“I like to think I’m a smart, high IQ sort of player,” Bianco said.

“I play to my strengths and try to make good decisions and put my teammates in better positions.”

As a Magpies’ man, Bianco has long looked up to Steele Sidebottom, who plays a similar role and is also a gut-runner.

“He works his body into the ground and you just always see him running, even if it’s just to create space for a teammate,” Bianco said.

“But then when he gets the ball he’s an elite ball user and always makes smart decisions.”

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A relaxed character, Bianco said he did not “have one bit of nerves” ahead of the uncertain waters which are the draft.

But one thing is for sure – his dad will need to find a new waiter soon.

Trent Bianco

DOB: 20/1/2001

H: 178cm W: 70kg

Position: Midfielder

Plays like: Steele Sidebottom

U18 National Championships averages: 18.5 disposals, 3.8 rebound 50s, 5.3 contested, 4.3 marks, 3.8 intercept possessions, 2.8 score involve, 3.0 tackles, 99 SuperCoach points

Originally published as Trent Bianco a high draft fancy with similarities to Collingwood’s Steele Sidebottom