A Warrior, A Fighter: Jamie Elliott Crowned Bob Ross Award Winner for Best Finals Player
In the crucible of Australian Rules Football, where legends are forged and the intensity of finals footy strips away all pretenders, Collingwood’s Jamie Elliott has once again risen to the occasion. The star forward has been awarded the prestigious Bob Ross Award for Best Finals Player, cementing his reputation as one of the game’s fiercest competitors and most clutch performers when the stakes are at their highest.
Elliott’s finals series was nothing short of extraordinary. Averaging 14.5 disposals, 7.5 marks, and an impressive four finals appearances, he embodied the spirit of a warrior—resilient, relentless, and utterly dependable. For a player whose career has been riddled with setbacks and injury battles, this accolade is not just about statistics—it’s about perseverance, grit, and the embodiment of fighting spirit.
A Finals Hero
Every team dreams of having a player who thrives when the pressure mounts. Elliott has become exactly that for Collingwood. In each of the four finals, he delivered a blend of skill and toughness, combining his sharp football instincts with the kind of courage that inspires teammates and terrifies opponents. His contested marking, a hallmark of his game, repeatedly turned momentum Collingwood’s way.
Supporters have often dubbed him “Mr. Reliable” in clutch moments, and this year’s finals series only strengthened that legacy. Whether it was a desperate chase-down tackle, a soaring grab inside 50, or a precise finish under pressure, Elliott consistently made his presence felt.
Overcoming the Odds
Few stories in modern AFL mirror Elliott’s resilience. Time and again, injuries threatened to derail his career, but he refused to let adversity define him. Instead, every setback became fuel for his comeback. His current form and recognition with the Bob Ross Award reflect not only his elite talent but also the sheer determination required to stay at the top level of one of the world’s most demanding sports.
Collingwood’s coaching staff have praised Elliott’s leadership qualities, noting how his preparation and professionalism set the standard for younger players. What makes his journey more remarkable is that he hasn’t just returned to his best—he’s surpassed it. Elliott is now more than a key forward; he’s the emotional heartbeat of the Magpies’ finals campaigns.
More Than an Award
Winning the Bob Ross Award is about more than statistics or trophies—it’s about impact. Elliott’s influence goes beyond the scoreboard, as he embodies the Collingwood spirit: fight until the last siren, never give in, and play for the jumper. For fans, seeing him honoured is a validation of the faith they’ve held in him through the highs and lows of his career.
As the celebrations continue, one thing is certain: Jamie Elliott’s name will forever be etched into finals folklore. He is not just a player—he is a fighter, a warrior, and now the Best Finals Player of the year.
For Collingwood supporters, Elliott’s triumph feels like more than an award; it feels like destiny fulfilled. And for the rest of the AFL world, it serves as a reminder that legends are not born—they are made in the fire of finals football.
