Carlton great Anthony Koutoufides was full of admiration for Jamie Elliott who produced a stunning mark-of-the-year contender during Collingwood‘s epic Anzac Day clash with Essendon.
During the third quarter of the 85-85 draw between the Pies and Bombers, and with Collingwood trailing by 10 points, small forward Elliot climbed opposing defender Ben McKay to take a cracking forward-50 mark.
The frequent flyer pulled down the mark before heading back and slotting his set-shot goal to bring the Magpies within a straight kick.
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Speaking to Nine’s Today, Koutoufides believed Elliott’s efforts were up there with the best of all time.
“We’ve seen many great marks in the past but this one here… and with the occasion of it,” he said.
“Jamie Elliott, who might be six foot tall, jumping on (202 centimetre) Ben McKay’s shoulders — unfortunately for Ben McKay, he’ll be remembered as being the guy underneath it.
“But that was a spectacular mark, and not only the mark but the goal he was able to kick straight after it as well because often players take a mark like that and then let themselves down [in front of goal].
“That was so special at such a critical time for Collingwood and a mark that we’ll never ever forget.”
Football pundits could not believe their eyes as Elliott soared above the hallowed MCG turf.
“That is as good as it gets over the hulking frame of Ben McKay,” commentator James Brayshaw said for Channel 7.
“Gee we’ve seen some big marks at this ground – none bigger than that … That is our game at its best.”
Melbourne legend Garry Lyon also told Fox Footy: “Jamie Elliott has ensured he will be on Anzac Day highlight reels forever and ever. That, my friends, is going to take some beating for mark of the year”.
AFL Nation caller Gerard Whateley said: “It’s a screamer that will last for generations on this day. Jamie Elliott, with one of the all-timers”.
Three-time All-Australian forward Eddie Betts agreed the feat has “to win mark of the year, for him to get up that high”.
Remarkably, Elliott took the mark in the same pocket as he did in round 19 2022, when he kicked the match-winning goal from a set shot after the siren to down Essendon.
