The classy midfielder will bring a wealth of experience to the club after playing for Ainslie and more recently Tuggeranong.

Coach Will Overs believes the small midfielder is exactly what the club needs.

Identifying the midfield as one big area that needs to improve, he is excited to see what Ellis can bring.

“He’s pretty tough and a real in an under player,” Overs said.

“He should be a pretty handy addition to our side.

“He’s a very good player.”

Ellis is no stranger to Riverina clubs and had signed to play with Wagga Tigers in 2016.

Coach Shaun Campbell labelled him “best on-ballers in the NEAFL” at the time, but he was then granted a release by the club before playing a game due to family commitments.

Ellis will join a travelling contingent from Canberra.

The Two Blues have retained most of last year’s signings from Canberra in James McCabe, Will Prowse, Mal Fernie and Matt Wells but have lost Matt Bernasconi. 

Barellan finished with the wooden spoon last season but their two wins included a huge upset over finalists The Rock-Yerong Creek in the second last round and they also came close to knocking over top-three side North Wagga, at McPherson Oval, in the middle of the year.

Overs is hoping the addition of Ellis can help make them a more competitive force.

“We ended last season quite well and are hoping to start well this year, rather than just end well, and put ourselves in a position to play finals,” he said.

“The two things we identified are fitness and midfield so we’re doing the hard slog on the track.”

Looking to have the team fitter this season, Barellan are three weeks into their pre-season and Overs has been pleased with the numbers attending.