Collingwood Star Celebrates New Arrival
Collingwood Football Club veteran Steele Sidebottom has officially become a father of three after his wife Alisha gave birth to their newborn son, Beau Sidebottom. The couple shared their joyful news this weekend through a series of adorable family photographs that quickly captured hearts across the AFL community.
The tiny newborn made his entrance on November 18, with both parents confirming the happy development through social media. In the touching images shared online, Beau appears completely content while being cradled by his proud older siblings, Matilda and Ned.
Growing Sidebottom Family
The couple's family has been steadily expanding in recent years, with daughter Matilda arriving in September 2020 and son Ned joining the family in January of this year. Following Ned's birth, Alisha had described him as the 'most perfect addition' to their lives - a sentiment that now undoubtedly extends to their newest family member.
Beau's arrival means Sidebottom now joins teammates Jack Crisp and Tim Membrey in Collingwood's three-children club. In a charming coincidence, Membrey also has a daughter named Beau, creating an unexpected namesake connection within the team.
The heartwarming family photos show Matilda and Ned beaming with pride as they cuddle their new baby brother, clearly delighted with their new roles as big sister and brother. The images have been widely shared by Collingwood supporters, with little Beau already becoming a fan favourite among the Magpies faithful.
Football Career and Family Milestones
The 34-year-old midfielder, who married Alisha in a picturesque ceremony in Daylesford in October 2022, recently recommitted to the Magpies by signing a contract extension that will see him play through the 2026 season. He'll be joined by fellow Collingwood stalwarts Jeremy Howe and Scott Pendlebury during this period.
Sidebottom's family news caps off a remarkable year for the footballer, who surprised fans back in March by demonstrating an unusual party trick that showcased his incredible knowledge of football boots. In a video released by the AFL, the midfielder effortlessly identified the exact brand of boots worn by 26 randomly selected players without a moment's hesitation.
He later explained that this quirky skill originated from childhood, admitting he used to study players' footwear with as much interest as the game itself. 'As a kid I was obsessed with footy boots,' he revealed in the clip. 'Whenever someone was playing I'd always look at what they had on their feet.'
While this revelation astonished viewers, it came as no surprise to those within the Collingwood organisation. Former teammate Adam Treloar had actually disclosed Sidebottom's photographic boot memory back in 2016, recalling how the midfielder could accurately name the brand and model worn by virtually every AFL player.
Treloar once tested him spontaneously and was left amazed when Sidebottom correctly identified every single pair without error.
The Sidebottom family are now settling into life as a happy family of five, with baby Beau bringing additional joy during what has already been a memorable year for the Collingwood veteran both on and off the field.
