Richmond youngster Corey Ellis has returned to full pre-season training, as he looks to cement his spot in the Tigers’ midfield in 2017.

Ellis played a block of 11 games in the opening half of the 2016 season, but a groin injury ended his run and he finished the year in the VFL after six weeks sidelined.

“I had a little bit of a groin problem early pre-season but back to full training now,” Ellis said.

“We’re off to Maroochydore next week for camp, so looking forward a big week.”

It marks Ellis’s third pre-season campaign, after he was recruited to Richmond with pick No. 12 in the 2014 AFL National Draft.

“It’s still very challenging but I feel like I know my body better, which means I can prepare better and be able to play some better football hopefully,” he said.

The 20-year-old is focusing on the contested side of his game over the pre-season, with competition for a spot in the midfield intensified since the arrival of former Gold Coast Sun Dion Prestia and ex-Cat Josh Caddy.

Ellis said the pair’s arrival had added extra motivation.

“I don’t think it’s changed too much, it just means more competition for spots which is a very good thing,” he said.

“They’re both very good players and we know that, so blokes are going to have to step up if they want a spot in the team.”

Ellis also finds himself learning from new coaches this year, with Blake Caracella and Andrew McQualter responsible for the midfield group.

”They’ve both had a big impact,” he said.

“(Richmond development coach) Xavier Clarke is also working with me quite closely but all three combined are very knowledgeable and I can go to them for anything.”