Tara Murray
Keilor has received a boost with former AFL player Corey Ellis committing to the club full time.
Ellis started his football career at the Essendon District Football League premier division club, before being drafted by Richmond.
He played 31 AFL games at the Tigers and the Gold Coast Suns before being delisted at the end of 2020.
Ellis has since then played in the Victorian Football League, most recently with Coburg, with Keilor his nominated local club.
Ellis managed to play three games for the Blues this year, the first time pulling on the jumper in more than 10 years and the first time playing seniors.
He kicked a goal in each game and was also named in the best in each match.
Blues coach Mick McGuane said they were excited by what Ellis would bring to their midfield.
“It’s great news,” he said. “He’s a quality player and person.
“He might get the opportunity to play with his brothers if things come to fruition, that’s really great for them. Nathan was best on ground in our reserves grand final. Mitch will be pushing for seniors too and Corey will pick himself as long as he’s fit.”
McGuane said the decision by Ellis to return to his former club continues to speak volumes about what they’re doing.
He said it shows the quality of people at the club and that they give players the opportunity to live the dream, before making them feel welcome to want to come back home later on.
The signing of Ellis will be a big boost for the Blues midfield, which at times was understrength this year.
The Blues were knocked out in the first week of finals by Pascoe Vale.
Former captain and league best and fairest winner Kane Barbuto missed most of the year due to work commitments, while Brett Stillman was injured.
McGuane said they were hoping Barbuto would play next year, while Stillman would be back from injury.
“Those players are hard to replace,” McGuane said. “We understood why Kane didn’t play, we’re hoping to see him back along with having Corey and Brett Stillman.”
McGuane said they would possibly have some other former players return next season in another boost.
One player who won’t be out there for the Blues next season is Dean Galea.
Galea, played just 10 games this year, has signed on with division 1 club Rupertswood as a playing co-coach.
The forward had been a key for the Blues in their finals runs and premiership in recent years since joining the club in 2016.
McGuane had nothing but praise for Galea, who leaves the club with no hard feelings.
“He knew his time was up at premier level,” he said. “He’s gone to a lower level, closer to home.
“He had a great start to the year and then things didn’t go his or our way.
“We had some honest conversations.“
