Richmond running machine Brandon Ellis had an early 21^st birthday celebration at the MCG on Saturday.

Ellis, who turned 21 yesterday (Sunday, August 3), maintained the excellent form he’s displayed for most of the season, racking up a game-high 34 disposals in the 27-point win against Greater Western Sydney.

In the 15 games since Round 3, Ellis hasn’t dipped below 20 touches in any of them.

“He’s had an outstanding year,” said Richmond’s coach Damien Hardwick.

“He probably started a little slow, but his work-rate is probably the thing that he’s discovered . . . how hard he has to work.

“He runs a lot . . . he’s just one of those guys that works up and down the ground.  And, he’s really improved his contested ball (work).

“That was probably the one thing we speak to him about over the course of the summer.  He’s done a truckload of work on that and he’s become really solid in that area.

“His ability to use the ball is very good, too.

“It’s his third year, so I think he’s got a lot of upside, which is quite scary when you think how well he’s going this year.

“He’s a very good mark for his size.  We’d like him to kick some more goals, but he’s got scope for improvement, which is excellent for our footy club.”