Jamie Elliott Crowned with Bob Rose Award: A Finals Masterclass That Defined Collingwood’s Spirit.
By Sports Desk | October 8, 2025
When the Moment Called, Jamie Elliott Answered
In a season of heart-stopping moments and roaring crowds, one man stood tallest when it mattered most — Jamie Elliott, the Collingwood forward whose courage, precision, and poise have earned him the Bob Rose Award for Best Finals Player. Averaging an astonishing 14.5 disposals, 7.5 marks, and four goals per game across Collingwood’s two finals, Elliott didn’t just play football — he embodied everything the black-and-white jumper stands for.
As the Magpies fought through the crucible of finals footy, Elliott rose to meet the moment. His performances were the perfect storm of grace under pressure, the spark that ignited belief in a side that thrives on resilience, history, and an undying will to win.
The Bob Rose Legacy Lives On
The Bob Rose Award is more than just a trophy; it’s a tribute to Collingwood’s legendary figure Bob Rose, a man whose name still evokes memories of courage, leadership, and loyalty. Rose’s influence on the club and the sport transcends generations, and the award bearing his name is reserved for players who embody his fighting spirit.
In receiving this year’s honour, Jamie Elliott joins a pantheon of Collingwood greats — names that have defined eras, carried hope, and delivered in the most defining moments of finals football. For Elliott, it’s not just another accolade; it’s a recognition of a journey filled with setbacks, resilience, and redemption.
A Finals Series to Remember
The 2025 finals campaign was no easy path for the Magpies. Collingwood entered with determination but were met with fierce competition at every turn. Through the chaos, one name consistently lit up the scoreboard and the stats sheet: Jamie Elliott.
His ability to impact both on and off the ball became the defining feature of Collingwood’s run. Across the two finals:
- 14.5 disposals per game showcased his tireless work rate, whether pushing up the ground or creating opportunities inside 50.
- 7.5 marks on average demonstrated not only his aerial strength but also his timing and positioning — a hallmark of his evolution as a complete forward.
- Four goals per game — in finals football, where space closes and nerves tighten — revealed Elliott’s uncanny ability to deliver when it truly mattered.
Whether it was a booming set shot from the boundary or a clean grab under pressure, Elliott’s execution seemed almost surgical. In both matches, he didn’t just play; he dictated the rhythm, lifted his teammates, and broke open defenses that looked unbreakable.
The Man Behind the Magic
Elliott’s story is one of persistence. Injuries, setbacks, and doubts have all been part of his journey — yet every time he’s been counted out, he’s found a way back, stronger and more determined.
From the moment he first donned the black and white stripes, fans knew he had something special. But it’s in the past few seasons that he’s transformed from “dangerous forward” to “dependable game-changer.” His evolution has been both personal and professional — a player whose mental strength mirrors his athletic brilliance.
In the aftermath of the award, Elliott was characteristically humble:
“I just wanted to stand up for the boys when it counted,” he said. “Finals footy is about moments — big or small — and I wanted to make sure I was ready for mine. To win the Bob Rose Award means a lot because of what it represents — hard work, resilience, and pride in this club.”
It’s that humility that makes him more than a footballer to Collingwood fans. To them, Elliott represents the Magpie spirit — fearless, selfless, and unshakable.
Coach McRae: “He’s the Pulse of Our Forward Line”
Collingwood coach Craig McRae was quick to praise Elliott’s influence on and off the field. In post-match interviews, McRae highlighted how crucial Elliott’s presence was in the Magpies’ finals campaign.
“Jamie’s ability to lift us in key moments is something special,” McRae said. “He doesn’t just kick goals — he creates energy. He works back defensively, supports teammates, and leads by example. You can see the belief grow in the group when he’s firing.”
That leadership goes beyond stats. Elliott’s communication on the ground, his positioning to open lanes for others, and his instinct to chase down opposition defenders make him invaluable to the team’s dynamic. In tight contests, he often became the difference between victory and heartbreak.
From Fly-High Forward to All-Round Star
For much of his career, Elliott was known primarily for his high-flying marks and highlight-reel goals. But this finals series proved that he’s far more than a showman — he’s a tactician, a team-first competitor, and a complete footballer.
His work between the arcs was relentless, linking up play and creating scoring chains that often started from half-back pressure. The blend of experience and explosiveness made him a nightmare for defenders who couldn’t read where he’d pop up next.
Former Collingwood great Nathan Buckley summed it up perfectly on commentary:
“Elliott’s found the perfect balance between flair and function. He’s matured into a player who doesn’t just entertain — he defines outcomes.”
Fans Unite Behind Their Hero
At the final siren of Collingwood’s last final, the roar from the Magpie Army wasn’t just celebration — it was gratitude. Chants of “Elli-ott! Elli-ott!” echoed around the MCG as supporters waved scarves and flags high into the night.
Social media lit up almost immediately. One fan posted,
“Jamie Elliott stood up when the game was on the line. That’s what legends do.”
Another wrote,
“If Bob Rose could see him play tonight, he’d be proud. That’s Collingwood football.”
For fans who’ve lived through the highs and heartbreaks of the Magpies’ recent years, Elliott’s performance was a reminder that moments of greatness can still emerge when the stakes are highest.
Beyond the Numbers: A Testament to Heart
Numbers tell part of the story — 14.5 disposals, 7.5 marks, four goals per game — but the true measure of Elliott’s impact lies in intangibles. The chase-down tackles that lift a crowd, the contested marks that turn momentum, the calm set shot in the dying minutes that steadies an entire team.
In both finals, Elliott’s influence extended beyond the stat sheet. His leadership by example inspired younger teammates like Nick Daicos and Beau McCreery, who credited Elliott for keeping the group composed in pressure moments.
“He’s like a big brother out there,” McCreery said. “He doesn’t need to say much — just watching how he handles big moments teaches you what it means to be a Collingwood player.”
The Road Ahead
As Collingwood look toward the next season, Elliott’s form and confidence will be crucial. The Magpies are once again shaping up as contenders, and their belief in each other seems stronger than ever. For Elliott, the Bob Rose Award isn’t a conclusion — it’s a springboard.
His message to fans after receiving the honour was simple but powerful:
“We’re not done yet. This club has more to give, and I want to be part of writing the next chapter.”
A Symbol of What Makes Collingwood Great
Jamie Elliott’s triumph in the 2025 finals series and his recognition through the Bob Rose Award serve as a vivid reminder of what defines Collingwood Football Club: grit, unity, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.
Bob Rose once said, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the mastery of it.” Jamie Elliott lived that truth in every contest this finals season. When the lights were brightest, and the stakes were highest, he didn’t just play — he stood up when it mattered.
Final Word
Awards come and go, but moments define legacies. Elliott’s finals campaign was one of those rare stretches where talent met timing, where a player’s heart outshone even his skill. For Collingwood fans, for teammates, and for anyone who loves the game, Jamie Elliott’s Bob Rose Award will be remembered not just for the numbers — but for the spirit it represented.
A Magpie through and through, Jamie Elliott didn’t just win a trophy.
He won the hearts of the Collingwood faithful — all over again. 🖤🤍
