AFL Draft 2014: Corey Ellis, Richmond’s top pick, may require foot surgery

RICHMOND concedes its top draft pick, Western Jets midfielder Corey Ellis, could require minor surgery on his injured right foot.

Vic Country v Vic Metro Trevor Barker Oval Sandringham . Vic Metro's Corey Ellis. May 18th 2014. Picture : Colleen Petch

RICHMOND concedes its top draft pick, Western Jets midfielder Corey Ellis, could require minor surgery on his injured right foot.

Ellis, taken at pick 12 by the Tigers in Thursday night’s draft, suffered a stress fracture at the end of the TAC Cup season and missed the AFL draft combine.

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Rival clubs on Friday agreed Ellis, 18, was among the best kicks in this year’s draft pool but said they baulked at recruiting him because of the injury.

Collingwood’s top draft pick from last year, Matt Scharenberg, had more serious bone-stress reactions in both feet and required surgery last February that ended his season.

But the Tigers say Ellis is back running and set to join pre-season training at Punt Rd.

Corey Ellis has a lethal left boot. Picture: Colleen Petch

They said minor surgery was an option if the foot flared again but it would not sideline him for an extended period.

“We were well aware he had a metatarsal issue that kept him out of the AFL Combine,” Richmond football boss Dan Richardson said.

“We will obviously monitor him but, as it stands, he is back running and looking forward to the pre-season.

“If any corrective procedure was ever required it wouldn’t have any long-term implications at all.

“We are thrilled to have a player of his quality at our club.”

The Tigers say Ellis, pick 33 Connor Menadue and pick 52 Nathan Drummond will help add depth to a midfield that can challenge the AFL’s best.

Originally published as AFL Draft 2014: Corey Ellis, Richmond’s top pick, may require foot surgery