The specialistBy Paul Daffey
Tue 28 Feb, 2012BRANDON Ellis, Richmond's first pick in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft, is likely to be entrusted with kick-in duties in his first year on the Tigers' list.
Ellis, 18, is expected to be named in the Tigers' line-up for their now traditional round one clash against Carlton at the MCG.
If he's near the ball, he's been given permission by the coaches to take the kick-in.
Ellis, who was taken at No.15 by the Tigers, said today he would fall behind teammates such as captain Chris Newman and fellow half-back Bachar Houli in the kick-out pecking order.
"It just depends who's closest to the ball," Ellis said. "If it's a slow play, Chris Newman will usually take the kick."
Ellis looked bashful when asked whether he might try a torpedo from full-back. Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson revealed this week that he would be instructing his players to use torpedoes to break defensive presses.
"I don't think I'll be unloading any torps," Ellis said. "(But) if I get told to do one, I'll be happy to do one."
Ellis said he loved his first experience of an AFL match, against North Melbourne in the first round of the NAB Cup, even if he found the pace and intensity of the game to be hot early.
"In the first five minutes I got lost a bit," he said.
"Playing at Etihad against the team I've followed all my life, North Melbourne, was weird — but a dream come true.
"To play on Brent Harvey, who I've idolised for 10 years, was unreal."
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/129727/default.aspx
