Richmond vice-captain Jack Riewoldt believes growing maturity and self-belief have been key factors in hard-running Tiger Brandon Ellis producing arguably the best football of his six-year AFL career during the past few weeks.

Ellis, 23, has racked up 25-plus disposals in Richmond’s past three games and been a major contributor for the team through his impressive rebounding work.

He finished with 30 disposals in the Tigers’ victory over North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium last Saturday night, including four inside-50s, five score involvements, plus seven marks, 18 pressure acts and 382 metres gained.

It’s a significant upturn for Ellis, who established himself as one of the competition’s best young players early in his AFL career, before his form tapered off a bit.

“He probably excelled well beyond his years early on,” Riewoldt said on SEN.

“He made an All-Australian squad three or four years ago and people were ready for him to break out, but he had a couple of probably down years by his own high standards.

“It comes back to a little bit of maturity, and he’s really grasped that half-back/wing role . . .

“He’s playing so well for us and believing in himself as well.

“The group’s believed in him for a long time, but sometimes it’s hard for a young kid to see the light for himself, especially on the big stages of AFL footy, at a big club like Richmond.

“But he looks like he’s done that, and he’s been super-impressive . . .

“He’s become a reliable player for us and someone that we can count on.”