Australian Football

Randwick-born Reg Ellis was an accomplished all round sportsman who played Sheffield Shield cricket for Victoria and top level football in both Sydney and Melbourne. As far as his football career is concerned, he began with YMCA in the NSWAFL in 1909, rapidly establishing himself as one of the leading lights in the competition. He represented New South Wales at the 1911 Adelaide carnival, and all told played for the state a total of nine times, as well as making four appearances for Combined Sydney.

In 1913 Ellis was recruited by St Kilda for whom he would play 52 VFL games, and kick one goal, in three seasons. Whereas he had mainly been deployed as a follower or forward during his time in Sydney, the Saints used him almost exclusively as a defender, where he was highly regarded for his solidity and nous. In the 1913 challenge final clash with Fitzroy he lined up on a half back flank, and was one of the vanquished Saints’ best players.

Ellis did not play competitive football at all during world war one, but returned to the fray in 1920 when he joined Melbourne. It proved to be a fleeting return, however, as he played just one final VFL game before retiring.

Author - John Devaney