This time last year Jarred Ellis was texting Andrew Boston, congratulating his Gold Coast SUNS Academy team mate on being awarded an AFL lifeline through the rookie draft.

Today, it was Ellis receiving calls and tests from family, friends and local well-wishers, all congratulating the 18-year-old teenager on securing a rookie spot with the GC SUNS.

“Yeah I’ve had a few calls from the family so far. It has been a pretty busy morning,” Ellis said.

As part of the GC SUNS Academy Program, Ellis has been training at the Club’s training facilities for the past three years, notching up NEAFL appearances with Shaun Hart reserve’s squad and Broadbeach.

His rookie-signing is a further boost for AFL in Queensland, with almost a quarter of the GC SUNS entire playing list made up of Queenslanders, highlighting the successful expansion of AFL in the sunshine state.

Describing himself as a “hard-working midfielder with a neat kick”, Ellis says he’s dogged on seizing every football opportunity that comes his way next season.

“As a rookie player, you just want to make sure you give it your best and really leave no stone unturned,” he said.

“My focus now is working closely with the development and high performance staff, and really taking on any advice they can offer me, to ensure I give myself the best opportunity to player senior AFL football.”

GC SUNS Academy Talent Manager & Coach – Jason Torney, said he couldn’t be prouder for his football apprentice.

Living almost two hours away, Ellis would commute four hours in total between his Northern New South Wales home and Yeronga for his state duties with the QLD Scorpions, in between three-hour trips to Metricon Stadium for Academy training and NEAFL matches during the season.

“Jarred and his Dad have spent a lot of time on the M1 travelling for his football commitments either with the Gold Coast SUNS academy or his State duties with the U18 Scorpions,” Torney said.

“His commitment shone through on the training track, but he was also regularly seen doing extra’s in an effort to further his conditioning.

Torney believes Ellis has a bright future on the Gold Coast.

“Jarred has a lot of potential, and with a full pre-season under his belt, can hopefully be in a position to play senior football.”