Collingwood veteran Steele Sidebottom has encouraged the Magpies to fill the captaincy role left vacant by champion midfielder Scott Pendlebury with a long-term leader who can spend several seasons in the job.
The 31-year-old joked that “the boat might have sailed” for him when it came to the captaincy, adding there are several candidates who could fill Pendlebury’s big shoes in 2023.
“Darcy (Moore) will definitely be one of them.” Sidebottom said. “He’s a great player, a great leader and someone that people love to be around at the footy club.”
Magpies defender Darcy Moore is a candidate for the Collingwood captaincy.Credit:AFL Photos
The premiership Magpie said his teammate Jeremy Howe could also do the job, but it was his opinion that they should opt for a younger player, with Taylor Adams or Jack Crisp legitimate contenders.
Sidebottom said he was interested in how the process unfolds and that would ensure “the right person” is put in the position under Craig McRae.
Collingwood finished third last season and had a busy trade period with ruckman Brodie Grundy joining Melbourne while Hawthorn’s Tom Mitchell, Adelaide’s Billy Frampton, Brisbane’s Daniel McStay and the Giants Bobby Hill all joined the club.
Sidebottom said he was impressed, and was excited about what they could bring to the club as they look to improve on their performance, which featured several tight wins.
Collingwood replaced Nathan Buckley with Scott Burns for one season in 2008 before Nick Maxwell became captain, leading the Magpies to the 2010 flag. Pendlebury took over the captaincy in 2014.
