AFL Blowtorch 2017: Brandon EllisBen Waterworth
FOX SPORTS
19 January 2017[/i]
EVERY season, players at all 18 AFL clubs fight for their careers and reputations.
The 2017 season will be no different — especially for these 18 men.
From the most talented and highest paid, to the out-of-contract youngsters hoping to remain on a list — many will be hoping to put together a flawless pre-season then perform when the home and away season arrives.
So who’s under the pump at your club?
Which players must produce scintillating 2017 seasons in order to release the pressure valve?
Here’s the player under the most pressure at your AFL club ahead of the season.
RICHMOND
Brandon EllisWhile skipper Trent Cotchin copped the brunt of the heat aimed at Tigers players last year, Ellis was arguably the most disappointing performer as the club plummeted down the ladder. After great 2014 and 2015 campaigns, Ellis’ output declined in 2016, averaging just 85.4 Champion Data ranking points per match — 15 less than in 2015. The first-round draft pick was also ranked 24th for average uncontested possessions, which was well down on his 2014 (third) and 2015 (sixth) returns. For Ellis, who’s out of contract at the end of the year, a big KPI in 2017 for him will be his workrate — a workrate that must return to its peak this season.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/the-2017-afl-blowtorch-the-players-under-most-pressure-to-perform-this-season/news-story/19c121a73e88b3bcabf6b6406d1c48c4