Richmond defender Brandon Ellis gets Rising Star nod

RICHMOND defender Brandon Ellis is the Round 17 nominee for the AFL Rising Star award.

Brandon Ellis

RICHMOND defender Brandon Ellis is the Round 17 nominee for the AFL Rising Star award.

Ellis was a pillar of strength in the Tigers’ backline in Sunday’s hard-fought four-point loss to North Melbourne at the MCG.

The 18-year-old won several one-on-one contested possessions against North small forwards including dangerous Lindsay Thomas.

Ellis collected 21 possessions including five marks at the weekend, his third successive hauls of 20-plus disposals.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said Ellis is an important member of the Tiger defence.

“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.

“His attitude on and off the field has been outstanding, and he has been rewarded by playing every game so far this season.

“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," he said.

Ellis was taken with pick No.15 in the 2011 draft from the Calder Cannons.