SC 2014 Profile: Steele Sidebottom

[dmac07]

Steele Sidebottom

Age -22

Height - 180cm
Weight - 84kg

2013 Games - 22
2013 Ave - 103.2
2013 Highs - 155(gws), 136(rich), 136(ess)
2013 Lows - 41(stk), 45(haw), 68(nm)

Price - $556,700 (fanplanner)

Position - Mid

Summary
The man who won the worlds greatest name title (yes thats a real thing) has maturity and skills beyond his age when he steps onto the football field. Highly skilled by foot on both sides, with a good endurance base, regularly winning or in the top three of the pies time trials. Perhaps not as dynamic or explosive as some of his counterparts he uses his skill, smarts and endurance well. The difference from week to week in his form last year was quite extreme though. Scored a ton in 11 of 22 games in 2013, with seven of those tons being 120+, but also through in two sub 50s without being injured or subbed. Plays everywhere from forward to back flank and through the mids. Sidebottom has missed just two games in the past four years so is also very durable.

Thoughts
His changing of roles week to week is the most likely cause of his up and down scoring. On days when Swan, Pendlebury and a fit Ball/Beams are on song he is relegated to being in the second group of players rotated through the middle. At 22 and with approx 100 games behind him, he is getting to a stage in his career where he could easily breakout. I dont however think that will happen this year, with a fit Beams in 2014, and the old hands of Swan/Pendles hogging all the points I cant see where his extra share of points will come from as he will still be a second teir midfielder, likely to play fill in roles when needed, then breaking out the 120-130s every second or third week when let off the chain, just to frustrate you.

Prediction/Verdict
103 - Not for me, think he will maintain his average from last year, and his price you are getting neither value or a potential top 10 mid. Could be a nice POD if he breaks out, but think that is unlikely. Cotchin, Murphy, Beams all provide better value at similar or cheaper prices.

[Jroo]

Nice work, but not for me, I'd rather Pendles, Swan, Beams over him.