SUNS recruit Corey Ellis says he’s starting to feel at home on the Gold Coast, especially after reuniting with former Richmond teammate Anthony Miles on the first day of full squad pre-season.
Ellis was quick to lock Miles in as his new roommate, after the latter made the move up to the Gold Coast following his honeymoon in Vanuatu.
“(He) came up last week and he’s in with me, we’re in a nice little place just the two of us so we’ll hopefully continue that,” Ellis told SUNS TV.
“We’ve grown pretty close over the last two years and yeah it was nice to see him up here and getting involved.
“Obviously living with him we’re able to help each other through the tough times and all the challenges that we may face but also all the good times as well.”
It only took Ellis a few days to get his bearings on the Coast after reporting to pre-season training with the first to fourth-year players.
The 22-year-old says he already feels like he’s found his groove at his new club.
“All of the younger guys have been amazing for me and now that the older guys are back I feel like we can become one big family,” he said.
“I had a few things to move up here so I came up a little earlier and got stuck into training and (that) sort of helped (the) transition.
“I didn’t have to meet so many faces all at once so that made it a bit easier.”
After only playing 10 games over the last two seasons with Richmond, Ellis has one primary goal for 2019 – play more senior football.
He averaged 22.2 disposals at 74% efficiency in the VFL playing both on the wing and across half-back, where he hopes to play in the SUNS’ best 22.
“I’d like to consolidate a spot down back, maybe a half-back spot,” Ellis said.
“So I’ll just keep getting fitter and stronger, working with the coaches and keep consolidating a spot down there.