Gold Coast SUNS midfielder and dual-premiership player Brandon Ellis has today announced his retirement from AFL football after 251 matches.

Ellis informed his teammates of his decision in a team meeting this morning and expressed his pride for everything he was able to achieve in his 13 years in the AFL system.

“I’m honoured to have had such an amazing journey in the AFL and to have met some incredible people who will be a part of my life forever,” Ellis said.

“I’d like to thank the Richmond Football Club for changing my life and giving me the opportunity to live my dream.

“To my Gold Coast SUNS family, it’s been a great adventure to move our life up here and it has been the best decision we’ve ever made. Gold Coast is home now and we can’t see ourselves leaving anytime soon.

“To Dimma, thank you for everything from the very beginning to the end. You have had a massive impact on my life and I can wholeheartedly say I am a better man because of you.

“To my family and partner Sarah – you are the most important people to me and I am forever in debt to you. Thank you for your unwavering support to allow me to live my dream.”

Ellis was drafted by Richmond in 2011 and played eight seasons with the Tigers (2012-19) before joining Gold Coast ahead of 2020.

The 30-year-old played 75 games in five seasons with the SUNS, including his 250th match earlier this season.

In his time with the Tigers, Ellis won two premierships in 2017 and 2019 under Damien Hardwick.

GC SUNS General Manager of Football Wayne Campbell said Ellis had made a significant impact on the club in his time on the Gold Coast.

“We’d like to congratulate Brandon on all he has achieved throughout his decorated career with both Richmond and the Gold Coast SUNS,” Campbell said.

“To attract a player of Brandon’s quality and with premiership experience was a significant result for our club and we are grateful for everything Brandon has given us in five years at the SUNS.

“Brandon’s infectious personality and smile, game sense and ability to kick a goal when his team needed it will be how he is remembered.

“He will retire as a champion of two clubs, and we’d like to wish Brandon and Sarah all the best for the next chapter of their lives.”

Ellis has decided to retire with immediate effect and therefore will not play again at AFL or VFL level this season.