Billy Over Brody: Why the Pies Have to Make Elliott Their Priority
Collingwood Football Club has never been short of tough decisions. The club’s history is built on balancing loyalty, performance, and the never-ending chase for premiership glory. But in the current climate, as contracts run their course and big names hover at the negotiating table, one debate rises above the rest: Billy Elliott versus Brody Mihocek. Both are loved. Both have carried the black and white through defining moments. Yet, when the dust settles, it becomes clear — the Pies must prioritise Billy Elliott.
The Legacy of Billy Elliott
Jamie “Billy” Elliott has been more than just a forward target for Collingwood. Since bursting onto the scene, he’s represented everything that makes Collingwood fans proud: grit, flair, determination, and the ability to light up the MCG with a single leap or goal.
Through injuries and setbacks, Elliott’s resilience has been inspiring. Many wrote him off when back issues plagued his early years. Some feared he might never reach his full potential. Yet he fought back, reinvented his game, and emerged as a match-winner. For Collingwood, keeping Elliott is not just about securing a footballer — it’s about protecting a symbol of resilience and heart that aligns with the club’s DNA.
Brody Mihocek’s Contribution
This is not to underplay Brody Mihocek’s role. Mihocek has been a warrior since joining Collingwood through the rookie draft. He’s a selfless workhorse, capable of clunking contested marks and providing vital goals when others falter. His versatility as a forward has been invaluable, particularly in big games where Collingwood’s structure relies on his ability to compete aerially and stretch defences.
But Mihocek’s role is, in many ways, replaceable. His strengths, while important, can be replicated by emerging talent or potential trade recruits. Young forwards are learning to play the same crash-and-bash style, and Collingwood’s list managers know there are multiple pathways to cover a player like him.
Why Billy’s Value Is Irreplaceable
Elliott’s skillset is unique. In the modern game, few players combine aerial brilliance with ground-level craft the way Elliott does. He’s not just a forward; he’s a game-changer.
Clutch Performer: Time and again, Elliott has delivered in pressure moments. Finals, tight home-and-away clashes, and games where momentum swung back and forth — Billy has stepped up with goals that matter.
Versatility: Elliott isn’t restricted to the forward pocket. He can push up the ground, deliver inside 50s, and even rotate through the midfield when needed. That flexibility gives Collingwood tactical depth few others provide.
Crowd Favourite: Beyond his stats, Elliott brings energy that ignites the Magpie Army. Fans rise when he goes for a mark or lines up for a goal. In a game built on moments, Elliott’s are unforgettable.
Mentorship Potential: With younger forwards like Ash Johnson and Jack Ginnivan in the mix, Elliott’s experience and professionalism serve as a guiding light. His presence raises standards.
The Modern AFL Reality
In today’s AFL, list management is brutal. Salary caps squeeze clubs, loyalty is tested, and difficult calls have to be made. The Magpies can’t hold onto every star forever. If forced to choose, Elliott edges Mihocek because he brings the rare qualities that cannot be manufactured.
Mihocek may be the safer, steadier option — but safe doesn’t win premierships. Match-winners like Elliott tilt the scales. Clubs thrive on unpredictability, on the ability to conjure goals from nowhere. Elliott has that spark in abundance.
Injury Concerns: A Fair Debate
Critics will argue Elliott’s injury history makes him a risky investment. Hamstrings, backs, and soft-tissue concerns have followed him across seasons. But Elliott has shown remarkable durability in recent years, adapting his body management and proving he can endure long campaigns.
Even if injuries linger, Elliott’s upside outweighs the risk. At his peak, he is one of the most electrifying forwards in the competition. Losing that edge would damage Collingwood far more than losing Mihocek’s grunt.
The Psychological Factor
There’s also a psychological dimension. Opponents fear Elliott. Coaches spend sleepless nights planning how to contain him because they know he can turn a game in five minutes. Mihocek, while respected, does not instil the same fear. Prioritising Elliott sends a statement: Collingwood values game-breakers, players who define moments, not just fill roles.
Future of the Forward Line
Collingwood’s forward setup is evolving. With the Daicos brothers feeding inside 50, and young forwards developing, the Pies need a leader who can capitalise on elite ball use. Elliott is that figurehead. He thrives on precise delivery and can convert half-chances into goals.
Meanwhile, emerging tall forwards are waiting in the wings. Recruiters can identify the next Mihocek, but finding another Elliott? That’s nearly impossible.
The Emotional Connection
For the Collingwood faithful, Elliott is more than a number on a team sheet. He’s the player kids imitate in the backyard. He’s the face fans look for on highlight reels. When he soars for a hanger or bends through a miracle goal, the MCG erupts in a way few others inspire.
Collingwood’s brand is built on stars who excite — the Daicos legacy, the Pendlebury elegance, the Swan toughness. Elliott fits that mould. Letting him slip would be more than a footballing error; it would be a betrayal of what the black and white stands for.
Conclusion: The Choice Is Clear
Both Elliott and Mihocek have etched their names into Collingwood’s modern history. Both deserve admiration and thanks. But AFL is a game of priorities, and when forced to choose, the Pies must go all in on Billy Elliott. His ability to inspire, perform under pressure, and provide moments that lift the entire club make him the irreplaceable piece.
Brody Mihocek will always be respected for his service, but players like him can be found. Players like Elliott? They are one-in-a-generation.
Collingwood’s future depends on daring to keep their match-winner. Billy over Brody — because champions are remembered, and Elliott is Collingwood’s heartbeat.
