Collingwood fan favourite Jamie Elliott makes candid admission on contract talks after re-signing

Collingwood fan favourite Jamie Elliott has opened up about wanting to “earn what I can earn” after deciding to re-sign with the club.

The 33-year-old took a two-year deal with the club after months of negotiations that led to conversations with Gold Coast and a three-year offer to move north.

But security was never quite the motivating factor for a man who overcame serious injury situations earlier in his career to reach the 200-game milestone in 2025.

In a candid interview with 7NEWS ahead of the Magpies’ best and fairest this week, Elliott conceded the prospect of leaving the club became more serious as talks went on.

That was until Collingwood came to the table with an improved offer.

“At the start of the year I made it pretty clear I wanted to sign with the club but I think in the end we needed to bridge that gap between both parties and come to a deal we were both happy with,” Elliott said.

“We eventually got there but in the process I had to explore my options and that involved Gold Coast and having those conversations.

“As it progressed and got later and later I was thinking what could that actually look like in my future, and obviously I’m not at the start of my career and I’m thinking about the future of my life and not just my footy.

“The longer I thought about it the more it became a possibility, and obviously we’re here to celebrate a great night for Collingwood and that’s what I’m here to do. I’m grateful to be staying here for the next two years.”

The Magpies’ first offer to Elliott was reported as ‘borderline offensive’ given his career-best haul of 60 goals this year.

The high-flying forward declined to say he was “hurt” by the number but admitted he was not prepared to take less than he deserved.

“There was just a gap there, I wouldn’t say I was hurt,” Elliott said.

“Knowing self-worth and what I’m worth as a player, it’s more just getting a feel for — I don’t know, not feeling valued, but at the same time, I want to earn what I can earn.

“There’s a lot to it. I’m not going to go into all the details but both parties came to an agreement so I’m happy to stay here for another couple of years.”

Elliott’s remarks earned praise from Pies fans.

“Thank you Jamie for being honest and mentioning money was the factor. So many players and clubs are scared to mention the all important financial side,” one wrote.

Another said: “At least he is honest. As a mad Pies fan I wouldn’t begrudge him for leaving to make more money, these guys have a very small window to make as much as they can.”

“Love the honesty. Wish more players were like that. Just say it I moved (for) cash,” one said.

Elliott toured Brisbane’s facilities at the end of 2019 and his call to stay at Collingwood paid off with the 2023 premiership.

He later said he had settled his future then based on where he could be the best footballer, and what was right for his body after a back problem wiped out 2016 and soft-tissue and foot injuries cruelled 2018.

While he could have teamed up with Brownlow medallist Matt Rowell to finish his career at the Suns, he also knows he’s not lacking for talented teammates at the Pies.

“I work with Nick Daicos so that explains it in itself,” Elliott said of what’s ahead in 2026.

“We have the best supporter base in the country by far, biggest crowds, I love not only the performance aspect but the entertainment of it and to do it in front of 80 or 90,000 most weeks is a privilege I don’t take for granted.

“I’m looking forward to creating more memories.”