No. 11: Brandon Ellis is going to have a long, successful career at Tigerland.
The overall way Brandon Ellis conducted himself throughout 2012, it’s hard to believe he was a teenager in his first season of AFL football.
Ellis, who was Richmond’s first pick (No. 15 overall) in the 2011 National Draft, displayed a maturity far beyond his years.
He slotted straight into the Tigers’ line-up from the opening round and quickly became an important member of the team’s defence.
The strongly-built youngster, recruited from the Calder Cannons, missed only one game for the season, averaging 15.7 disposals per match, and comparing favorably in several categories with the competition’s ‘Rising Stars’.
Ellis was ranked second among Rising Stars for total uncontested possessions, fourth among them for total effective disposals, fourth for total marks, and sixth for total disposals.
His long-awaited Rising Star nomination arrived following an impressive
21-possession performance against North Melbourne at the MCG in Round 17. It was the third match in-a-row that Ellis had racked up 20-plus possessions.
Which on-field role do you think Brandon Ellis will be best suited to in the long term?
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick was delighted with the progress Ellis made in his debut season of league football.
“Brandon has ticked every box since arriving at the Club, and the way he worked his way into the senior side is a credit to his work rate and determination,” Hardwick said.
“His attitude, on and off the field, has been outstanding . . .
“We’ve also been impressed with his versatility, and his ability to play a number of roles for us this year, including as a running defender and a midfielder.
“We are looking forward to seeing the continued improvement in Brandon’s game over the coming years.”
Ellis’ on-field attributes were consistently on show throughout the 2012 season - his reading of the play, run-and-carry, kicking, strong body at the contest, and overall work-rate.
Off the field, you only had to see how he handled media interviews, to appreciate what a mature, determined, affable young man he is.
Clearly, Brandon Ellis has plenty going for him, as he strives to build on the substantial initial gains he has made in his AFL career.
In tomorrow’s final 12 in 12, find out about the Tigers’ barometer.
