Lions flag winner moves to Port as Collingwood under fire over 'borderline offensive' offer

Collingwood have come under heavy criticism over the drawn-out contract saga involving Jamie Elliott, after interest from rival clubs and accusations they low-balled the AFL premiership winner. It comes as Port Adelaide have landed a major coup for 2026 after signing Brisbane assistant coach Stuart Dew, just days after the Lions' premiership triumph.

Dew combined with Brisbane coach Chris Fagan to help deliver back-to-back flags for the Lions, whose grand final win over Geelong cemented Brisbane's status as one of this generation's best sides. Dew is a close friend and former teammate of new Power head coach Josh Carr, who takes over from long-time mentor Ken Hinkley.

The 46-year-old Dew and Carr were premiership winners together at Port, having played in the club's 2004 grand final win over Brisbane. And his move back to Port continues a major reshuffle in the club's coaching department for next season, with football boss Chris Davies also leaving alongside Hinkley.

The Power have also added Luke Webster, Andy Collins and Darren Reeves to their coaching department next year. And they're also close to agreeing deals for Fremantle midfielder Will Brodie and GWS star Jacob Wehr in what shapes as a new era for Port in 2026.

“I would like to thank the Brisbane Lions Football Club for the opportunity to be a part of such a successful era for the club,” Dew said on Wednesday. “From the moment I walked into the club, to winning the 2024 and 2025 premierships, it has been such a wonderful experience.

“I will miss the club, players and the people who created an environment that made it so easy to come into work every day. In particular, I would like to thank Chris Fagan and Danny Daly for their support as I move to a new challenge at the Port Adelaide Football Club. I will be forever grateful for the experience, and the club is in great hands.”

AFL fans pay tribute after Stuart Dew leaves Brisbane

Port Adelaide CEO Matthew Richardson said: "We are thrilled to welcome Stuart and his family back to the Port Adelaide Football Club. Stuart's coaching credentials speak for themselves. His experience across three AFL clubs, and the success he's achieved at the highest level, reflects his ability to analyse the modern game and his capacity to build strong relationships with players and staff.

"We know our fans will be thrilled with this announcement, and we share in their excitement. Stuart is not only a fantastic coach; he's a premiership player for our club who has always been held in the highest regard by our supporters. Our refreshed coaching panel, led by Josh Carr, is in excellent shape as we begin preparations for the 2026 season."

Collingwood criticised after low-ball offer for Jamie Elliott

Meantime, Collingwood have come under fire for the contract saga around premiership hero Elliott, who was first offered a new two-year deal worth a little over $400,000 per season to stay at the club. The fan favourite announced he's remaining a Magpie on Wednesday after rejecting a more lucrative offer from the Gold Coast Suns.

The situation saw Collingwood up their offer to keep the star forward, who booted 60 goals this year and was outstanding in the finals series. But the Magpies have come under fire over the protracted nature of discussions, amid accusations the club low-balled Elliott with their initial offer.

Discussing details of the Elliott contract saga on Channel 7’s The Agenda Setters on Tuesday night, leading AFL reporter Sam Edmund described Collingwood's initial offer for the Pies star as 'borderline offensive'. “Collingwood have been playing contract catch up in the last couple of months,” Edmund told the program.

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“Collingwood have improved their offer – it was two years and mid-$400,000. Now it’s two years at mid-$500,000. It’s inconceivable that Collingwood would let it get to this. You can understand, he’s 33, they’ve got an ageing list but this guy kicked 60 goals this year. I think it was a borderline offensive offer.

"It was low fours (hundred thousands) at two years (under the average AFL wage)... he’s kicked 60 goals for the year – should have been All-Australian, eight goals in two finals. It’s like trying to get blood out of a stone at Collingwood.”

Seven news reporter Mitch Cleary also weighed in on the situation, pointing out that Brody Mihocek is likely to leave the Pies after an offer from Melbourne that is "so convincing it’s almost too hard to ignore". He said if Collingwood couldn't agree new deals with Mihocek and Elliott before the club's Best and Fairest Awards night on Friday, there was a good chance both premiership stars would leave.

“The thought is if they get through that night without extension announcement for Mihocek and Elliott, both will be out the door," Cleary said on The Agenda Setters. “The sense I’m getting out of Collingwood right now is Mihocek is more likely to leave. Elliott in an ideal world would stay at Collingwood. It’s just a matter of getting the offer to the right point to satisfy him to stay."

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