The 39 disposals racked up by Richmond’s rising star, Brandon Ellis, in a best-on-ground display against Melbourne at the MCG yesterday (Sunday, May 19), was the equal-highest number by a teenager in the AFL competition for the past 20 years.
Only Tom Scully, who had 39 touches while playing for Melbourne against the Western Bulldogs in Round 7 of the 2010 season, has matched Ellis’ superb effort.
To further underline the 19-year-old Tiger’s achievement, only one other current-day Richmond player has recorded more disposals in a game – Nathan Foley, with 40 against Brisbane at the MCG in Round 6, 2011.
And, there have been just two other Tigers during the past two decades, who have topped Ellis’ disposals’ feat in a match – Wayne Campbell and Joel Bowden.
Campbell twice had 41 touches in a game – against Carlton in Round 15, 1992 at Waverley Park, and against West Coast in Round 15, 1999 at the MCG.
Bowden compiled 44 disposals against Melbourne at the MCG in Round 4 of the 2009 season.