Rising Richmond star Brandon Ellis figures prominently in coach Damien Hardwick’s plans for 2014, following an impressive second season of AFL football this year.

Ellis averaged 18.5 disposals per game, with a career-high 39 against Melbourne at the MCG in Round 8.

The talented 20-year-old racked up 20 touches or more nine times, was ranked seventh overall on the Club’s list for total disposals, and finished with 14 goals.

What made his all-round performance even more meritorious was the fact he spent the opening month of the season as the Tigers’ substitute player.

“He had a couple of bad games – he got tagged by (Carlton’s Dennis) Armfield in Round 21 – but, overall, his consistency was very good,” Hardwick said.

“The scary thing about him is he’s 19 years of age, so he’s going to get a hell of a lot better quickly.

“He’s averaged around 20 touches, uses the ball really well, and he’s also a goalkicker.

“So, he’s a player we’ll look to push a little bit more midfield next and probably a bit half-forward as well, because we feel he can actually hit the scoreboard for us.

“He’s going to be a really good player.”