AF 2014 Profile: Brandon Ellis

[Toga]

Brandon Ellis (Richmond Tigers)

Position: Defender/Midfielder (may become a pure mid)

Price:

2012 Games: 21

2013 Games: 20

2012 Average: 56.1

2013 Average: 81.6 (98 un-subbed)

2013 Tons: 6

Big games: Demons (155), Bombers (143), Power (128), Lions (119), Crows (112)

Summary:
Huge year from the young fella after starting the season in the green vest, averaging close to 100 un-subbed. Became the Tigers' link man out of defense, racking up the uncontested possessions & marks on the half back flank and on the wing (averaged 11.7 kicks per game and 5.9 marks per game), but also snuck forward regularly and impacted the scoreboard (0.7 goals per game). Showed his massive ceiling with a 155 against the Demons and a 143 against the Bombers late in the season.

What's not to love about his season - a defender averaging 98 (excluding vests) is absolutely dominant! If he's a defender next year I'll be all over him, but there's a chance he'll lose his DEF eligibility and become a pure mid... The numerous possessions he gathered coming off of half back may be his saving grace in retaining back status, although it's gonna be a fine line.

Verdict:
If he's a back, I'm not gonna be saying no to him, as he'll be underpriced by 17ppg given his sub-affected games at the start of the season. As a mid, it's gonna be harder to squeeze him in, although his sub-excluded average is almost good enough to warrant a selection in the midfield if you can see him improving in his third year "breakout" season.

Predicted 2014 average: 102

[Kellogscrunchynut]

Well worth considering if positioned in defence, however I highly doubt he will. 

[Scrads]

Destined to be a mid only IMO :(

[Ricochet]

Can honestly say I was completely wrong about this guys 2013. I knew he would be a gun but i didn't think he would develop so quickly. He is well past his vest risk and if he keeps defender status he is definitely worth considering.

[Jroo]

Yeah he won't be a defender. If he was he'd be my first picked player.

[LF]

Typo there Toga think you might mean 2014 predicted average ;)
Great write up but will be mid only and there are plenty if mids ahead of him atm.

[Toga]

You wouldn't consider even if he's a mid guys? A 21 year old midfielder averaging 98 is pretty handy in his "second year blues" season! :o

What about his "third year breakout" season!? ;)

I dunno, think he's worth considering as a pure mid, probably won't make my team but one to watch!

Typo there Toga think you might mean 2014 predicted average ;)
Great write up but will be mid only and there are plenty if mids ahead of him atm.

Oops! Thanks for pointing that out Luv! ;)

[henry]

There is no chance in the world he'll average 102 I reckon. As you saw in a couple of games at the end of the year, he started to get attention and that shut him down completely. As he is primarily an outside player and a link man he is relatively easy to close down, teams will spend more time doing exactly that.

Certainly not starting with him, if listed as a defender may consider him as an upgrade option.

[Vinny]

Great player! If he becomes a defender worth a look but seems unlikely. Needs to work on dealing with attention but with time it will come. :)

[Spinking]

Think he will pick up as he moves more permanently into the midfield. As a linkup man there is a need to tag him, but as a pure mid he would get tagged after Cotch and Lids.

Still hoping he gets Def. Fingers crossed.

[Nige]

Maybe if we all pray hard enough, he'll keep his defender status.  ;D

But yeah, I think it's a given he'll lose it.

[Master Q]

Needs to be a back for me to consider. Like everyone else really...

[powersuperkents]

Was inconsistent but then again what should I expect from a 2nd year player :) Fantastic kid and has a bright future (also what pick was he in the National Draft overall?) Amazing outcome for a 2nd year player. I mean 98 unsubbed!!! That is incredible (sadly I only had him for his 60 & 72), if he gains dpp he's a lock in the back but I can't take the risk if he is a pure mid. I agree with the predicted 100+ average though also if Dusty leaves (along with Tuck) who knows he may not be limited to just the 100 average, could even see him go higher :)

[Toga]

Think he was pick 15 overall PSK!

[powersuperkents]

Think he was pick 15 overall PSK!

haha sweet so he was a verified talent :) GWS should have picked Ellis over Patton in my opinion hahhaa :P