Richmond has selected tough, skilful Calder Cannons rebounding defender, Brandon Ellis, with its first pick (No. 15 overall) in the 2011 AFL National Draft.

Ellis, 18, had a standout season in 2011, at both TAC Cup level with Calder, and representing Vic Metro in the under-18 championships.

His form in the championships was so impressive, he was named in the All-Australian under-18 team as a rebounding defender.

Then, at the post-season AFL Draft Combine, Ellis strengthened his claims for early selection in the National Draft, with some excellent testing.

Ellis ranked in the top 11 percent of those tested in the standing vertical jump category, with a leap of 70cm, and his running vertical jump of 83cm catapulted him into the top four percent.  He ran 3.05 seconds over 20 metres, 8.14 seconds for the agility test, and scored 15.4 in the shuttle run, which placed him in the top four percent.

At 181cm and 83kg, Ellis has a strong build to match his athleticism, making him an enticing long-term prospect for the Tigers.

“Brandon had an outstanding year in 2011, elevating himself from a potential draftee, to a certain first-round draft pick,” said Richmond Recruiting Officer Richard Taylor.

“He is an elite kick of the football and has a real weapon with his penetration and accuracy.  He is also extremely brave with his attack on the ball, is an excellent decision-maker across half-back, and he possesses elite endurance.

“We are excited to have secured Brandon with our first pick and feel he has the attributes in his game to have a real impact at the highest level. 

“He is also an outstanding young man, who is very driven, and we feel confident he will realise his significant potential with us.”

In his own words: I'm a hard-working, selfless, committed, strong and passionate player who will do anything for my teammates on the field while playing my role for the team.