AFL 2024: Gold Coast and Richmond midfielder Brandon Ellis retires

A Gold Coast wingman has called time on his 251-game career and paid tribute to his former coach at two different clubs.

Dual Richmond premiership player and Gold Coast wingman Brandon Ellis (right) has announced his immediate retirement. Picture: Michael Klein

Gold Coast wingman and former Richmond premiership player Brandon Ellis has called time on his 251-game career with immediate effect.

Ellis, 30, decided not to play out the 2024 season after injuries restricted him to only four senior games in the final season of his five-year deal at Gold Coast.

The No.15 pick in the 2011 draft paid special tribute to Damien Hardwick, whom he played under in the Tigers’ 2017 and 2019 flags before they were reunited at Gold Coast at the end of last year.

Ellis said he was a “better man” because of his longtime mentor as he said he was set to remain in Queensland for the foreseeable future following 75 games in five years at the Suns.

Brandon Ellis played under Damien Hardwick in Richmond’s 2017 and 2019 flags as he formed a valuable part of the Tigers side at halfback and on a wing. Picture: Scott Barbour / AAP

“I’d like to thank the Richmond Football Club for changing my life and giving me the opportunity to live my dream,” Ellis said on Wednesday.

“To my Gold Coast Suns family, it’s been a great adventure to move our life up here and it has been the best decision we’ve ever made. Gold Coast is home now and we can’t see ourselves leaving anytime soon.

“To Dimma, thank you for everything from the very beginning to the end. You have had a massive impact on my life and I can wholeheartedly say I am a better man because of you.

“To my family and partner Sarah – you are the most important people to me and I am forever in debt to you. Thank you for your unwavering support to allow me to live my dream.”

Ellis was chaired off by Suns teammates in Ballarat in March after playing his 250th game. Picture: Daniel Pockett / Getty Images

Gold Coast football boss Wayne Campbell said Ellis would retire as a “champion of two clubs”.

“We’d like to congratulate Brandon on all he has achieved throughout his decorated career with both Richmond and the Gold Coast Suns,” Campbell said.

“To attract a player of Brandon’s quality and with premiership experience was a significant result for our club and we are grateful for everything Brandon has given us in five years at the Suns.

“Brandon’s infectious personality and smile, game sense and ability to kick a goal when his team needed it will be how he is remembered.”

The Suns confirmed Ellis had also played his last VFL game for their side.