Sidebottom is just as hard a runner, kicks more goals and has much better disposal and decision making than Stanton. The only reason he has received little attention throughout his career is because our midfield is full of "stars". Sidebottom also has a terrific record in big matches and finals whereas I think that most would agree that in the few important matches Stanton has played in he has pretty much rolled over and given up. There was a pretty good reason why Essendon supporters got into the habit of boooing him you know
Not getting attention from opposition taggers allows this though doesn't it? On the goals, Steele has played forward more often i would've thought over his career.
Sidebottom obviously has a better finals record though, there is no disputing that. All i'm saying is if Brent Stanton was playing the same role Steele is at Collingwood this year,the output would be pretty similar IMO.