The star ‘Pie that could become an All-Australian

KANE Cornes is backing Collingwood forward Jamie Elliott to have a big year.

Coming off a 2022 season where the small forward established himself as one of the most clutch players in the competition, Cornes believes Elliott can make an even bigger impact this time around.

While Elliott has proven a quality contributor since making his debut in 2012, is body has often let him down as he hasn’t played more than 20 games in the last seven years.

If the 30-year-old gets his body right, Cornes said he believes Elliott could be a 55-goal forward in 2023.

“He hasn’t played a full season of footy [in a long time],” Cornes said on SEN Sportsday. “When I say a full season, he hasn’t played 20 plus games since 2015.

“If this man gets a good run at it, the most goals he’s ever kicked in a season was that year, 2015, where he kicked 35, he’s got 55 goals in him, Jamie Elliott.”

Agreeing that Elliott could have a big year in front of the big sticks, Gerard Healy asked Cornes, “He’s got an All-Australian guernsey, doesn’t he?”

In response Cornes said he feels Elliott could comfortably become an All-Australian when comparing his ability to previous players that have been handed a blazer in recent years.

“He does [have an All-Australian in him], absolutely, we expect Collingwood to go deep, so there’s probably an extra couple games [to get to 55 goals],” Cornes said.

“Stengle kicked 53 [in 2022], he’s a better player than Tyson Stengle.

“He’s going to get a lot of opportunities in this forward line, and jee, he looks fit. He’s accurate, he’s good on the ground, he’s good in the air.

“I’d get excited Collingwood fans about the prospect [of Elliott making an All-Australian).

“Don’t get too far ahead of yourselves because he usually gets injured and he’s 30 years of age now which is problematic, but he’s everywhere [inside 50].”

Elliott continued his preparation for the season after kicking two goals in the practice match win against Hawthorn last week.

Collingwood’s next task is a round one clash against Geelong at the MCG on 17 March.

– BY LACHLAN GELEIT/ SEN