Two Goulburn Valley exports are on top of the AFL world following Collingwood’s dramatic four-point grand final victory over Brisbane Lions on Saturday.
Tallygaroopna’s Steele Sidebottom secured his second premiership medal, while Euroa’s Jamie Elliott claimed his first as Collingwood defeated the Lions in a game many will remember as one of the best deciders in recent memory.
In front of a sold-out MCG — with more than 100,000 spectators watching on — Sidebottom was the hero for the Pies in a frenetic and tense final term.
With his side up by four points with less than five minutes on the clock, Sidebottom nailed a 55m set shot that sent the Magpie Army into delirium.
The clutch goal by the former Congupna junior, just the ninth time he’s kicked a goal from outside 50 in game 309, was enough to seal Collingwood’s famous record-equalling 16th AFL premiership.
Speaking to afl.com.au following the win, Sidebottom recounted the moment he entered Collingwood immortality.
“I had the footy, Nick Daicos was running by, and I thought I should give it to him. Then I thought, why not, hey? There was probably a bit of wind going down that way,” the 32-year-old said.
“How do you reckon it felt? Unbelievable ... Felt nice, reckon I'll remember that one for a while.
“I actually took the mark on the wing and got the 50. I didn’t cramp, but I thought I'd pretend to in order to waste a bit of time.
“We were obviously in front, so I just took my time and just tried to eat a few seconds off the clock.
“When I got there, I realised there was a bit of wind, so I thought I'd have a crack at it and it came off.”
Sidebottom was impressive throughout the contest and tallied up 20 disposals on the wing.
His teammate Elliott was important in attack for the Pies with 14 disposals, seven marks and eight score involvements.
The exciting and silky mover missed out on the 2018 grand final loss but played a role on Saturday afternoon to claim his maiden premiership medal.
No stranger to grand finals, Sidebottom highlighted how much this second premiership medal would mean to him following his maiden success in 2010.
“I was obviously very young at the time when I won the first one and this one is going to mean a hell of a lot more to me," Sidebottom said.
“I've experienced the lows on this day, and the last few times hasn't gone the right way, but today it did and it was extra special.”