Pendles and Sidey’s coffee camaraderie in 2025.
Pendles and Sidey’s Coffee Camaraderie: A Bond Brewed Over Beans.
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In the high-pressure world of professional sports, where the demands of training, competition, and media scrutiny can be overwhelming, finding moments of calm and connection is essential. For Collingwood Football Club legends Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom, their shared love of coffee has become more than just a daily ritual—it’s a symbol of their enduring friendship, leadership, and the culture they’ve helped build at the club. Over the years, their coffee camaraderie has become a beloved story among fans, offering a glimpse into the human side of two of the AFL’s most celebrated players.
The Origins of a Friendship Pendles and
Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom’s friendship began long before they became household names in the AFL. Both drafted by Collingwood in the mid-2000s—Pendlebury in 2005 and Sidebottom in 2008—they quickly bonded over their shared commitment to the game and their similar values. While their on-field chemistry was evident from the start, it was off the field where their friendship truly blossomed, with coffee playing a central role.
Pendlebury, known for his calm demeanor and meticulous approach to the game, was already a coffee enthusiast when Sidebottom arrived at the club. Sidebottom, a country boy from Victoria’s Goulburn Valley, was initially more accustomed to a simple cup of tea. However, under Pendlebury’s influence, he soon developed a taste for coffee, and the two began to carve out time in their busy schedules to share a cup and chat.
The Ritual: More Than Just Coffee Pendles and
For Pendlebury and Sidebottom, their coffee sessions are about more than just caffeine. They’re a chance to unwind, reflect, and connect in a way that goes beyond the football field. Whether it’s at a local café near the club’s training base at the Holden Centre or in the comfort of one of their homes, these moments have become a cherished part of their routine.
The ritual often begins with Pendlebury, the self-proclaimed coffee aficionado, taking the lead in brewing the perfect cup. Known for his attention to detail, he’s particular about the beans, the grind, and the brewing method, often experimenting with different techniques to achieve the ideal flavor. Sidebottom, while less particular, has developed a deep appreciation for the process and the results, often joking that Pendlebury’s coffee is the best he’s ever tasted.
But it’s not just about the coffee itself—it’s about the conversation. Over the years, these sessions have become a safe space for the two friends to discuss everything from football tactics to life outside the game. They’ve shared their hopes, fears, and dreams, offering each other support and advice through the highs and lows of their careers.
Leadership Brewed Over Beans Pendles and
As two of Collingwood’s most experienced and respected players, Pendlebury and Sidebottom have played a pivotal role in shaping the club’s culture. Their coffee camaraderie has become a metaphor for their leadership style—grounded, inclusive, and focused on building genuine connections.
Pendlebury, who has served as Collingwood’s captain since 2014, is known for his calm and composed leadership. He leads by example, both on and off the field, and his dedication to his craft is evident in everything he does. Sidebottom, a vice-captain and one of the team’s most consistent performers, brings a more laid-back but equally driven approach. Together, they’ve created a dynamic that balances intensity with camaraderie, setting the tone for the entire team.
Their coffee sessions have also become a way to mentor younger players. Recognizing the importance of creating a welcoming and supportive environment, Pendlebury and Sidebottom often invite teammates to join them for a cup. These informal gatherings provide an opportunity for younger players to seek advice, share their experiences, and feel more connected to the group. It’s a small but meaningful way of fostering team unity and ensuring that everyone feels valued.
The Cultural Impact: A Club Built on Connection Pendles and
The Pendlebury-Sidebottom coffee tradition has had a ripple effect throughout the Collingwood Football Club, influencing the way players and staff interact with one another. In a sport where the pressure to perform can sometimes create tension, their emphasis on connection and camaraderie has helped to create a more positive and inclusive environment.
This culture of connection has been particularly important during challenging times. Whether it’s dealing with the fallout from a tough loss, navigating the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, or supporting teammates through personal struggles, the club has consistently drawn strength from the bonds that players like Pendlebury and Sidebottom have helped to build. Their coffee sessions serve as a reminder that, no matter how difficult things may seem, there’s always time to pause, reflect, and lean on one another.
The Fan Perspective: A Story That Resonates Pendles and
For Collingwood fans, Pendlebury and Sidebottom’s coffee camaraderie is more than just a quirky anecdote—it’s a reflection of the values that make the club so special. In a sport that often focuses on individual achievements, their friendship is a reminder of the importance of teamwork, loyalty, and mutual respect.
Fans have embraced the story, with many taking to social media to share their own experiences of bonding over coffee with friends and loved ones. The duo’s love of coffee has even inspired a few lighthearted memes and fan art, further cementing their status as fan favorites.
The story has also resonated beyond the Collingwood faithful, capturing the attention of the broader AFL community. In a league where rivalries can sometimes overshadow the human side of the game, Pendlebury and Sidebottom’s friendship is a refreshing reminder of the connections that unite us all.
The Legacy: A Bond That Endures Pendles and
As Pendlebury and Sidebottom approach the latter stages of their careers, their coffee camaraderie has taken on an added layer of significance. With both players having achieved so much—Pendlebury as a Brownlow Medalist and multiple-time All-Australian, Sidebottom as a premiership player and Norm Smith Medalist—their legacy is already secure. But it’s their friendship, and the culture they’ve helped to create, that will endure long after they hang up their boots.
Their coffee sessions are a testament to the power of connection, both on and off the field. They remind us that, even in the high-stakes world of professional sports, it’s the relationships we build and the moments we share that truly matter.
Conclusion: A Friendship Brewed to Perfection Pendles and
Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom’s coffee camaraderie is more than just a charming story—it’s a reflection of the values that have defined their careers and the Collingwood Football Club. Their shared love of coffee has become a symbol of their friendship, their leadership, and the culture they’ve helped to build. As they continue to inspire their teammates and fans alike, their bond serves as a reminder that, no matter how intense the competition, there’s always time to pause, connect, and enjoy the simple pleasures in life.
In a world that often moves too fast, Pendlebury and Sidebottom’s coffee ritual is a grounding force—a reminder that the best things in life, like a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, are worth savoring. And as their careers wind down, their legacy will be one of connection, camaraderie, and a friendship that was truly brewed to perfection.
