Talented, young midfielder Brandon Ellis is embracing the extra responsibility that’s come his way within the Richmond line-up. 

The 20-year-old, who is in his third season at the Club, wants to do what he can to help ease the load on the Tigers’ playing leaders.

“I’m getting on to 50 games now, so I think there’s a bit more pressure for me to stand up and perform each week.  I’ve had the experience from my first two years,” Ellis said.

“I think this year and, hopefully, the next couple of years, I’ve just got to stand up and help ‘Cotchy’ (Trent Cotchin), ‘Lids’ (Brett Deledio) and Jack (Riewoldt) out when they need help and when they’re not going too well.”

Ellis was a shining light for Richmond in last Sunday’s loss to Hawthorn at the MCG, picking up 32 disposals and working hard to generate some much-needed run for the team.

“The last couple of weeks, I’ve slowly started to get my form back and, hopefully, I can just keep building on it,” he said.

He believes Richmond’s slow start to the season has nothing to do with any changes to the game plan, nor is it the result of a lack of confidence.

“There hasn’t been too much of a change in the game plan.  Obviously, you’re going to tinker with it year to year.  No, I don’t think it’s a confidence thing, either,” Ellis said.

“I think the boys have just got to get back to doing the basics . . . I just don’t think we’re hitting those little kicks, or getting those handball receives from behind.

“So, if we can start doing that, then everything will start falling into place.”