\n Jamie Elliott, who was controversially denied a free kick in last year’s preliminary final, believes Collingwood is capable of anything in 2026\n <\/p>\n
Jamie Elliott appeals to the umpire during the preliminary final between Collingwood and Brisbane at the MCG on September 20, 2025. Picture: AFL Photos<\/p>\n
COLLINGWOOD veteran Jamie Elliott tries not to think about what might have been if one of last season’s most controversial umpiring decisions had not gone against him.<\/p>\n
Instead, he prefers to look ahead with a Magpies outfit he believes is “capable of anything” in 2026 despite external queries over the list at coach Craig McRae’s disposal.<\/p>\n
But the ghosts of last September linger, after Elliott was denied a free kick at a crucial juncture of Collingwood’s heart-breaking preliminary final loss to Brisbane.<\/p>\n
The Pies trailed by just 12 points with more than nine minutes left to play when umpires decided not to penalise Lions defender Brandon Starcevich for front-on contact against Elliott when spoiling a mark.<\/p>\n
The decision sparked uproar, especially among irate Collingwood fans, while many expert commentators were left stunned.<\/p>\n
“It was a big talking point, but it is what it is,” Elliott told reporters on Thursday.<\/p>\n
“The AFL, there’s a lot of grey area in our rules.<\/p>\n
“That one didn’t go my way, but they (Brisbane) played a fantastic brand of football and made it all the way and ended up winning the premiership.<\/p>\n
“It’s a credit to them and I try not to think about it, to be honest.”<\/p>\n
Jamie Elliott (left) and Nick Daicos after the Preliminary Final between Collingwood and Brisbane at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 20, 2025. Picture: AFL Photos<\/p>\n
Elliott, who kicked a game-high four goals in the preliminary final, would have had a relatively straightforward shot to put his side within six points.<\/p>\n
But Brisbane forced a boundary throw-in and put the result to bed with the next four goals, before thrashing Geelong in the Grand Final.<\/p>\n
“It was pretty flattening that week after. A lot of ‘what ifs’,” Elliott said.<\/p>\n
“But if you live in that space you’re not going to get better and we try not to dwell on the past.<\/p>\n
“We look to the future, so we’re really excited about this year.”<\/p>\n
Collingwood will again be reliant on some ageing stars like Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom and Jeremy Howe in 2026, while it lost five-time leading goal-kicker Brody Mihocek to Melbourne in the trade period.<\/p>\n
Scott Pendlebury at Collingwood training in January, 2026. Picture: Collingwood FC<\/p>\n