Talented young Richmond midfielder Brandon Ellis enhanced his reputation as a ‘running machine’ with an excellent display in last Saturday’s 44-point victory over St Kilda at Etihad Stadium.

The 20-year-old, in his 56^th league game, racked up 36 disposals, including 26 uncontested possessions, eight interceptions and four inside-50s.  He also took six marks and kicked a goal.

After a relatively slow start to the season, Ellis has averaged 27.6 per match in his past 11 games, and would surely be figuring prominently in the Tigers’ Best and Fairest count at this stage.

“I think he’s had a pretty consistent year,” said Richmond’s coach Damien Hardwick.

“He’s a guy that’s got enormous work-rate, and he started to find that he can actually run players into the ground.

“His tank is enormous, he’s found what works for him . . . it’s really one of his weapons that he can actually use.

“He’s watched a lot of tape of some players that work in a similar manner, so he’s starting to get into his footy, which is great.”

Ellis said that another pre-season under his belt, at the game’s highest level (his fourth in total), had been a key factor in boosting his endurance levels.

 “Last year, I was finding that I was cramping halfway through the third quarter and the start of the last, but to be able finish off games, I think that’s been very beneficial for me in the last month,” he told K-Rock post-match last Saturday.

“The boys respect me a lot more now, and I feel a lot more comfortable out there.  It takes a couple of years to get that respect.”