It has been a decade since Jamie Elliott made his AFL debut.
In the 10 years since, he's experienced soaring highs, overcome long-term injury setbacks and established himself as one of the club's favourite sons.
In 149 career games the dynamic small forward has kicked 216 goals and at least one of them will go down in club history among Collingwood's all-time greatest.
"I've been through a fair bit to reach 150 games," Elliott said this week, ahead of the milestone.
"I've reflected on where I came from, my journey and what it's taken to get here and the people who supported me.
"It's a massive honour to play 150 games for this club."
2012
Traded to Collingwood in 2011 as part of a deal with Greater Western Sydney, Elliott made his debut in round 9, 2012 against Adelaide.
He won the Harry Collier Trophy for Collingwood's best first-year player.
"My first 50 games came pretty quick," Elliott said.
"I thought 'how easy is this, I'll be a 200 plus gamer, this is great.'
"In sport, injuries happen and unfortunately I've had a few... I'm really proud to get to this point."
2013
In only his second season he notched up 20 games and set a career-best five goals and 10 marks in a comeback win over Carlton.
He also claimed Mark of the Year.
"When you're young, you play a lot more on instinct - there were times I was jumping for marks and I shouldn't have been," Elliott said.
"I'm still capable of (taking those big marks) but as an older player, structure is more important to me.
"It comes down to being in better positions and not flying when I don't need to."
2014
A recurring hamstring injury hampered the backend of his season but in the 17 games he played in he continued to bring crowds to their feet.
He was named in the 22Under22 team.
2015
Billy was Collingwood's leading goalkicker in 2015, booting 35 majors.
If kids didn't already have the number five printed on their guernsey at this point, they were ironing them on during the season.
It's not lost on Elliott that he's a player many young Pies supporters idolise.
"I still find it bizarre that I'm playing football and people have my number on their back," he said.
"I pinch myself sometimes, it's pretty cool.
"I would say I'm an introvert but at the same time I love fan interaction, I love getting out there on game day and seeing a crowd of 70,000 people.
"I like my alone time and I feel like I balance my football and my alone time well.
"Just because I'm introverted doesn't mean I don't like the entertainment aspect."
2016
After another stellar season the year prior, back surgery meant Elliott missed the entirety of 2016.
"Growing up I was exposed to a little bit of hardship that not everyone goes through as a young person... I think that played a part in me just getting on with it," he said.
"There's always someone who has it worse than me and I try to remember how fortunate I am to have this opportunity.
"That mindset helps during rehab and having a good support system is important too."
2017
Collingwood's leading goalkicker for a second time, he finished the year with 34 goals from 17 games.
2018
Missed another season of footy to a year of rehab - this time following ankle surgery.
2019
Kicked 26 goals from just 16 matches.
"The ultimate success for me is playing in a premiership," Elliott said.
"Playing finals and getting to a prelim in 2019 was really special for me."
2020-2021
Across the two pandemic-interrupted seasons, Elliott was influential when fit.
He averaged a career-high 15 disposals a game last year.
Classy as ever with ball in hand, he proved he is also a natural leader.
"When I first got to the club I was a shy kid," he said.
"I've spent 11 years in the system now and my role has changed.
"I have to think about how I get the best out of other players in the forward line group and I do my best to make the younger guys feel safe and included."
2022
Despite another stint on the sidelines at the start of the year, he's produced some of his best footy this season.
"This year (the environment at the club) feels different and it has been refreshing," Elliott said.
"I felt like I had to prove myself again and it's just a really fun place to be.
"Craig has been a massive driver of that with little things he does behind the scenes.
"He's made it really inclusive for family, friends and fans and it feels like there's an exciting future here.
"Everyone feels comfortable being here, it's a safe environment and it brings out the best in everyone.
"I think that's why we're on a winning streak, we're playing on energy and spirit."
While he was typically modest about the 150-game milestone and his match-winning goal in round 19, Elliott spoke sincerely about his love for the club.
"I would probably be working on a farm if I wasn't here (at Collingwood)," he said.
"I've grown as a person more than I ever thought I would and that has probably been the best thing.
"Football aside, I have so much to thank the Collingwood Football Club for.
"I can see myself being a Pie for life."
