Jamie Elliott says he seriously weighed up whether a fresh start in Brisbane would help bring out the best in his notoriously troublesome body but that his comfort with Collingwood’s medical staff contributed to his decision to re-sign.

Speaking at length publicly for the first time since turning his back on free agency last October and re-committing to the Pies for two more years, Elliott, 27, detailed how nervous he’d been when touring the Brisbane Lions’ facilities on the eve of last year’s trade period.

Collingwood's Jamie Elliott. Credit:Joe Armao

“It was actually really nerve-racking because I never expected to put myself in that position. I had to make a really well-educated decision and I had to explore all my options … [to not] have any regrets later down the track,” Elliott told The Age.

“I remember getting caught up there, there were cameras up there and my heart started racing. It was good, they’re a great club. I had a really good vibe from them. But ultimately my heart’s at Collingwood.