Corey Ellis' season didn't end the way he hoped, on the sidelines for the Western Jets' finals appearance and the NAB AFL Draft Combine with a stress fracture in his foot.
It left him in a moon boot and will have clubs checking his medical assessment, but the Victorian midfielder did enough through the year to maintain his standing as one of the better prospects.
Ellis had some injuries through the year, too, being hampered at times in the under-18 championships with Vic Metro. But in eight games for the Jets he averaged 22 disposals and five clearances, highlighting his poise in close.
Ellis' ball use and decision-making sets him apart. He's in the top echelon for both categories, and he makes use of it in games.
His versatility is also a strength. He can be used off half-back, on a wing, in a midfield role and even closer to goal, where his left-foot disposal is damaging. But wherever he plays, he knows what to do.
Ellis has the knack of reading the play, finding the ball and making quick and correct decisions when it's in his hands. He can't really explain where it comes from, just that he's good at thinking clearly under pressure.
Behind Ellis' quiet personality is also a steely determination to succeed. He knows what he wants, has worked hard to this point to get there, and has the mature head to settle into an AFL club.
He is perhaps one-paced, but that's not a huge concern. Ellis' foot injury is not ideal, particularly given the proper diagnosis wasn't found until later on, but hopefully it doesn't linger.
There's a bit of Dom Tyson to Ellis. He isn't especially fast, but gets around that by being very quick of mind and at getting the ball in his hands.
Ellis is a first-round pick in the eyes of most club recruiters, but will most likely fall between picks No.12 and 20.
Ellis is unassuming, but he's courageous at the stoppages, smart when he has the ball and a very damaging kick. He brings players into the game and does everything without looking troubled.
