Richmond’s VFL coach Tim Clarke has strongly supported the selection of talented, young midfielder Corey Ellis to make his senior league debut with the Tigers in Saturday’s match against Geelong at the MCG.

Clarke has watched Ellis closely at VFL level over the past few weeks, and has been extremely impressed with what he’s seen of the Club’s first pick in last year’s National Draft.

“Corey’s been terrific,” Clarke said.

Round 5 team: Ellis to debut

“He was a little bit late to get going in the pre-season due to an operation, but he’s been building over the last few weeks.

“To come back and play the way he did on the weekend (against Frankston) really shows his class . . .

“It comes at a good time because our footy club needs a player like Corey to come in and have an impact. 

“He’s very clean with his ball-handling skills and his ability to use the footy is terrific. 

“I can see him having a real impact in senior footy once he gets comfortable.”