BRANDON Ellis had no idea what direction his life would take in 2012.
After a standout year for TAC Cup team Calder Cannons, Ellis was widely considered a first-round draft pick.
But with GWS dominating the first round and lowly Gold Coast and the Brisbane Lions also featuring, it seemed probable that he would be heading on a plane to pursue his AFL dream.
No Victorian club had a selection until pick 15, but fortunately Ellis lasted long enough to be snapped up by the Tigers.
"I would have been happy to get drafted anywhere but it's an extra bonus to be drafted just a 10-minute drive from where you're living. It's a dream come true," Ellis said.
Ellis is this week's AFL Rising Star nomination after his 21-possession game against North Melbourne on Sunday.
The 18-year-old has not missed a game so far in his first season at AFL level, surpassing all expectations even he had for himself.
"My goal at the start of the year was to play a few games. One or two would have been ideal, I would have been happy with that but to play the first 16 has been unreal," Ellis said.?
"It's actually life changing and I'm just glad the coaches have been believing in me and backing me in week in, week out."
The transition from elite junior footballer to professional AFL player has been a drastic one for Ellis but he said he has adjusted fairly well to the new expectations placed on him.
"I never really knew what it was like. You do get recognised when you go out but it can get a little tedious at times," he said.
"The dietary requirements were a big focus for me because I was pretty built when I got there, all I had to do was maintain what I was doing so I haven't had to change much with that.
"Life as an AFL footballer is pretty good. We've got the best job in the world - we're lifting weights, we're kicking a footy and getting paid good money for it."
Ellis' journey to the big time hasn't been easy. He lived in a housing estate in Melbourne's inner north and quit football after his father Dale fell ill with cancer three years ago.
Dale Ellis convinced his son to return to the game he loved as he embarked on the battle of his life.
He underwent radiation and chemotherapy to treat a cancer that had been diagnosed as inoperable.
As Brandon's AFL career flourishes, Dale's health has turned a positive corner.
"Dad's doing really well. He goes in now every six months for tests and he got his recent tests back and they are all clear," Brandon Ellis said.
"He's travelling really well."
Luke Holmesby is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter - @AFL_Luke
