We complete our special feature series leading into the 2014 National Draft, with Richmond’s Recruiting Manager Francis Jackson providing a fascinating insight into the 2011 drafting of hard-running, rising star Brandon Ellis.

Testing draft
“Obviously, that was the difficult one (2011 National Draft) because the 12 17-year-olds had already been taken out of the draft pool.  It was a compromised draft, but we pretty much felt we’d get one of three players.  And, in fact, those three players went in order of picks.” 

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The case for Ellis in Tigerland
“We were very keen on Brandon.  We felt that his physical attributes, his outstanding endurance and his kicking, which is also a weapon, would enable him to play some terrific footy.  Brandon had a really strong (under-18s) carnival.  He played as a negating defender, which was a little bit of a different role for him.  I remember in Perth, he played a fantastic game.  He was very disciplined, very determined, and had a really strong concentration span.  Brandon also had a really strong finals series with the (Calder) Cannons, playing a rebounding half-back role.  We felt that he had a terrific work ethic, he saw the game unfold pretty well, and he’d be able to play a midfield role a little bit later on in his career.” 

Brandon’s stand-out interview
“I remember it to this day . . . it’s certainly been one of our best interviews.  We spent a lot of time doing interviews with his parents.  Brandon’s dad had overcome a serious illness at the time and the closeness of their father-son relationship was very touching.  Brandon was so sincere in the interview.  I remember walking out and clearly thinking that I have absolutely no doubt this kid’s going to be as good as he can.  It’s terrific that his dad, Dale, has overcome that illness today, and goes to most of Brandon’s games, as do the whole family.”

Ellis’ exciting emergence
“It’s been really exciting to see Brandon develop the way he has . . . Not for one second, did I ever doubt Brandon wouldn’t be the best player he could possibly be.  His willingness to work hard, and confront any challenge head-on, has been a credit to him, and is exactly what we saw as a kid.  And, not only that, he has such good character . . . Brandon has a real sense of attachment to new draftees that come into the place.  He’s a really caring person, who has some fabulous personal qualities, as well as his footy attributes.”   

The final word
“Brandon has started very well and, quite clearly, should be a 200-game player for the Club . . . We look forward to him taking the next step.  His Best and Fairest placing this year (second) was a credit to him, and a sign of things to come.”

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