Tim Watson was surprised to see Steele Sidebottom named in Collingwood’s leadership group for the 2021 season.
Sidebottom was banned for four games for breaching the AFL’s COVID-19 protocols last year after he was found by police in an intoxicated state, but retained the Magpies vice-captaincy despite the costly indiscretion.
The 30-year-old was again appointed vice-captain for the upcoming season with Collingwood announcing a seven-man leadership group that also includes skipper Scott Pendlebury, Taylor Adams, Jeremy Howe, Brodie Grundy, Jordan Roughead and Darcy Moore.
“The one that raised my eyebrow a little is the fact that we know that Steele Sidebottom last year was handed a four-match ban by the AFL for breaches of its COVID-19 return to playing protocols,” Watson told SEN Breakfast.
“At that time that was a real penalty to his football club.
“I know he apologised and was very sorry, but that wasn’t the type of leadership that you would be expecting from one of your more experienced and mature players at your football club.
“So what do you have to do to actually get turfed out of the leadership group?
“I’ve got nothing against Steele Sidebottom, I’m sure he’s a fine young man and he does the right thing most of the time.
“But when you step out of line like he did … it’s an honour to have been elevated into a leadership position and there are certain responsibilities associated with that.”
Garry Lyon looked at the argument regarding the Magpies star’s leadership from both sides.
“I guess we need to know more intimately what sort of leader he is,” Lyon said.
“He may have that many credits in the bank that Collingwood said, ‘Look, your upside has been enormous, this is a bad mistake, but we still want to back you in’.
“I think it’s a really good point you raise – and maybe this was the time for them to look at it and go, ‘Steele, now is the time for you to finish your career as just a fantastic contributor, but not be recognised as an official leader’.
“Whether it was out of character or not, you would think that precludes you from being a leader.”
Sidebottom, 30, has played 243 games for Collingwood since debuting in 2009.