In a surprise move that has sent shockwaves through both the sporting and entertainment worlds, Netflix has announced a groundbreaking new docu-series titled โFrom the Shadows to the โGโ โ a raw, emotional, and inspiring look at the lives of two Collingwood Football Club stars: Jamie Elliott and Bobby Hill.
Set against the backdrop of Australiaโs most iconic sporting arena, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the series dives deep into the personal and professional journeys of two of the AFLโs most beloved and resilient figures. With unprecedented access to behind-the-scenes moments, locker-room insights, and intimate reflections, Netflix promises a story of heartbreak, brotherhood, and ultimate triumph.
Both Jamie Elliott and Bobby Hill have walked uniquely challenging paths in their footballing careers โ marked by injury, illness, and adversity. But what sets their story apart is not the obstacles they faced, but how they overcame them โ together, and on one of the biggest stages in Australian sport.
Elliott, once dubbed โthe high-flying hope of Collingwood,โ has endured more than his fair share of physical setbacks. Spinal issues, surgeries, and long rehabilitation stints sidelined him during critical points of his career. Yet through it all, Elliott never gave up. His moment came in the 2022 Elimination Final, when he kicked a goal after the siren to secure Collingwoodโs dramatic win โ a moment that etched his name into club folklore.
On the other side of this emotional spectrum is Bobby Hill. Diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2022 while playing for GWS, Hill’s football careerย and life โ were thrown into uncertainty. But after undergoing surgery and treatment, Hill returned to the AFL stronger than ever. His trade to Collingwood in 2023 was a fresh start, and just months later, he was holding the Norm Smith Medal as best-on-ground in the 2023 Grand Final โ a fairytale ending few saw coming.
With the success of sports docu-series like Formula 1: Drive to Survive, Quarterback, and Full Swing, Netflix has demonstrated a global appetite for high-quality, emotional sports storytelling. From the Shadows to the โG is expected to bring that same cinematic storytelling to Australian rules football โ a sport steeped in tradition, passion, and local pride.
This is more than just a footy story, said executive producer Tasha Nguyen. Itโs about two men who refused to quit. Itโs about hope, healing, and finding strength in moments of darkness. We want the world to see what the AFL is all about โ and why Collingwoodโs story resonates far beyond Victoria.
The series, reportedly shot over 18 months, follows Elliott and Hill through training camps, injury recoveries, family time, and key AFL moments. Viewers will get never-before-seen access to the inner sanctum of the Collingwood Football Club, including emotional conversations with coaches, teammates, and family members.
Central to the documentary is the theme of brotherhood โ both between Elliott and Hill, and within the broader Collingwood team. The two have formed a deep bond, not just as teammates, but as survivors of their own battles.
Jamie was there for me when I was coming back,โ Hill shares in one of the preview clips. โNot just as a player, but as a mate. He knew what it was like to feel like everything you worked for might slip away.
Their shared understanding, forged through pain and persistence, serves as the emotional anchor of the series. Their story is not just about two individuals โ it reflects the culture of a club that, under Craig McRaeโs leadership, has embraced vulnerability, unity, and purpose
The announcement of From the Shadows to the โG marks a turning point for how AFL stories are told โ and who gets to hear them. By partnering with Netflix, the AFL is stepping onto the global stage, inviting millions of potential new fans to understand not just the game, but the heart that drives it.
Social media has already lit up with excitement. Fans have praised the spotlight on two fan-favourites who often fly under the radar compared to more flamboyant stars. Others see the documentary as a way to deepen their connection to the club and the game.
Netflix has not yet confirmed an exact release date, but sources close to the production say it is expected to premiere in early 2026, just ahead of the AFL season. Whether you’re a rusted-on Magpie fan or a curious outsider, From the Shadows to the โG promises to be a must-watch.
In a game so often defined by moments of glory, From the Shadows to the โG reminds us that the real victories are often won far away from the roar of the crowd โ in rehab rooms, quiet nights of doubt, and the decision to keep going, again and again.
For Jamie Elliott and Bobby Hill, the MCG isn’t just a ground. It’s where their shadows disappeared, and their legacy began.