THEY say grand finals are hard to get to and even harder to win.

Collingwood's lack of fortunes in this regard has been well-documented, with 16 premiership victories to their name, five of which came in the last 70 years.

But going into this weekend's crucial showdown, the Magpies showed no signs of nervousness.

Instead, they had a secret weapon, a local star from Euroa named Jamie Elliott.

Elliott's role within the Collingwood team has evolved over time, especially as the club sought more speed around the goals.

Despite his journey from humble beginnings, Jamie never took the easy path to his success.

Overlooked in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft, he returned to the Bushrangers as a top-age player and represented Victoria Country at the under-18 championships.

However, a setback in the form of a broken collarbone provided Elliott with a much-needed opportunity to work on his fitness and strength.

Impressed by his work ethic, Collingwood invited him to play two VFL games in late 2011, and it was clear they liked what they saw.

From the Bushrangers to the Big League Jamie Elliott's arrival at Collingwood coincided with the establishment of the GWS Giants, leading to an AFL rule change allowing the Giants to pre-list players and trade them to other clubs for picks in the draft.

Collingwood secured Elliott in exchange for pick 25.

His debut in 2012 came in round nine and he made an immediate impact, playing 15 games in his debut season and winning the Harry Collier Trophy for the best first-year player.

Elliott quickly gained a reputation as a high-flying, goal-kicking dynamo, even winning the Mark of the Year in 2013 with a towering leap over Port Adelaide defenders. Despite some challenges, he became the leading goal-kicker for Collingwood in 2015 and 2017.

The 2018 season brought heartbreak for the Pies, as they narrowly lost the grand final to the West Coast Eagles.

Jamie Elliott's absence that season was keenly felt.

However, in 2023, Elliott has reached new heights, despite the younger players pushing for his spot.

He not only managed to keep his place in the team but also kicked a career-high 39 goals in the season.

Elliott playing in his first AFL grand final versing the much fancied Brisbane Lions outfit.

Jamie’s role had now shifted to a more selfless one, pushing up the ground and creating space for others like Norm Smith medalist Bobby Hill.

Euroa's hero In front of a massive crowd of 100,024 played a crucial role.

His seven marks were crucial in helping Collingwood maintain possession and his 14 touches consistently hit their mark.

The game itself was a nail-biter, with multiple lead changes.

Brisbane Lions' Charlie Cameron's late goal looked to seal the game, but Collingwood's superstars Nick Daicos and Jordan De Goey teamed up to immediately grab back the lead.

It was an extraordinary display of skill and determination and Steele Sidebottom’s 50-metre long bomb locked in Collingwood's 16 premiership.

Elliott's family couldn't be prouder of his achievements.

They regularly join him in the Collingwood rooms, sharing in his joy and success.

Caitlyn Elliott, a family member, expressed her emotions by saying, "Honestly just balled my eyes out as we all did. Emotional weekend and a huge day, extremely overwhelmed with pride. Just so happy for Jamie; this is all we’ve wanted for him.

Waiting 11 years feels like a dream, I can’t explain it.

I’ve never seen Jamie this happy in my life."

Jamie Elliott's journey in the AFL has been marked by persistence and resilience.

He's faced injuries and setbacks but has always found a way to bounce back.

While he may be remembered for his after-the-siren feats and spectacular marks, his true legacy should be his determination, love for family and close friends and his ability to make the most of every opportunity he's been given.

Jamie Elliott is not just an AFL rockstar but also a symbol of what hard work and perseverance can achieve.