Collingwood veteran Steele Sidebottom is excited about how his teammates are tracking this pre-season.
After jumping from 17th to the top four in 2022, Collingwood knows they’ll need to continue improving if they’re to contend for a premiership again in 2023.
While the additions of Tom Mitchell, Dan McStay, Billy Frampton and Bobby Hill have come in as ready-made players, Sidebottom is also optimistic about the club’s new draftees.
When asked what young player has impressed most, Sidebottom was glowing on mature-aged recruit Joe Richards.
Richards, 23, joined the Magpies with pick 48 in the National Draft after the school teacher played country football for Wangaratta in the Ovens and Murray Football League.
“Well, they’ve all been good,” Sidebottom told SEN Afternoons regarding the club's draftees.
“But the young guy Joe Richards that we got from Wangaratta, he’s 23 and a little small forward.
“He has come in and has sort of had a mark on the group already.
“I don’t want to put the pressure on him, but potentially he’ll play some senior footy this year.”
Collingwood fans could get their first chance to watch Richards when the Magpies face the Hawks in a pre-season game.
While the AFL is yet to release the fixture for this year’s pre-season, Sidebottom says he and his teammates will play against Hawthorn in Tasmania.
“I’m pretty sure we’re playing the Hawks,” Sidebottom confirmed.
“That’ll be over in Tassie.”
The fixture for the official pre-season games for the first week of March are expected to be announced by the AFL early next week.