Jamie Elliott talks with the AFL about some advice he got from his mother best friend

Jamie Elliott shares heartfelt advice he received from his mother’s best friend in candid AFL discussion

Collingwood forward Jamie Elliott has long been admired for his resilience on and off the field, and in a recent conversation with the AFL he revealed a powerful piece of advice that has helped shape both his football career and his personal outlook. Interestingly, this guidance didn’t come from a coach, a teammate, or even a family member—it came from his mother’s best friend.

Elliott, who has overcome a string of injuries and setbacks throughout his career, explained that during one of the lowest points in his recovery, his mother’s close friend offered him words that still resonate deeply. “She told me, ‘Jamie, your story isn’t meant to be easy. If it were easy, everyone would live it. What will set you apart is how you carry yourself when things don’t go your way.’ That stuck with me,” Elliott said.

The 32-year-old has lived through more than his fair share of challenges. From serious back issues to ankle and shoulder injuries, Elliott has at times wondered if his career might be cut short. But the advice he received reminded him that struggles are not roadblocks, but opportunities to show character. “It wasn’t about ignoring the pain or pretending everything was fine,” he reflected. “It was about accepting the setbacks and deciding what I wanted to do with them. That shift in mindset changed a lot for me.”

Elliott’s honesty and openness struck a chord with AFL fans, particularly younger players who often struggle with self-doubt or the pressure to perform. “We all look up to our idols and think they’ve had a smooth path, but the truth is most of them haven’t,” he said. “Hearing that it’s okay to stumble, to take a step back, really helped me refocus.”

He credits that conversation as a turning point in his resilience. While coaches and trainers provided technical support, the emotional wisdom of someone outside the football world gave Elliott perspective. “Sometimes you need advice from people who don’t see you just as a footballer. My mum’s best friend saw me as Jamie, the person, not Jamie, the player. That makes a difference.”

Since embracing that mindset, Elliott has not only returned to consistent form but also become one of the most respected figures at Collingwood. Teammates often highlight his positive influence in the locker room, his willingness to encourage younger players, and his ability to keep morale high even during tough stretches.

“Football is a game, but life is bigger than the game,” Elliott concluded. “What she told me has stayed with me because it applies to everything—not just sport. Everyone faces challenges, and how you deal with them is what defines you.”

The story is a reminder that guidance can come from unexpected places, and that sometimes the most impactful lessons come not from those in the spotlight, but from the quiet voices of wisdom around us. For Elliott, the words of his mother’s best friend will continue to echo throughout his career and beyond.