Brilliant Canberra-based midfielder Sean Ellis has no regrets about linking up with Barellan, committing to a second season at the Farrer League club.
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Ellis, who took out the Two Blues’ best and fairest award, said it was a refreshing change and he’s already looking forward to next year.
“I loved it and I’ll definitely be going back. I really liked the Barellan Football Club, the community and the town and everything,” Ellis said.
“It was something different and that’s what I really enjoyed about it. It’s a bit different to Canberra footy where you play the same team three times and some teams four times in a year. So it’s very repetitive. And you always know who’s going to win. Where this comp, for my first year, every week for me was different.
“It was probably one of the best comps I’ve played in, like that.”
Ellis was quickly identified by rival teams as a man to stop but often it was easier said than done.
For his part, he was taking on teams and opponents he knew little about in front of crowds who created an atmosphere that was enjoyable to play in.
“The home team advantage… it does make a difference. I’ve never really had that. From Canberra footy, it’s just a bit different,” he said.
A humble Ellis, 31, said it was an honour to finish ahead of Will Overs in the vote count. It’s his third club best-and-fairest award having been recognised previously at Tuggeranong and Barooga.
““Definitely, it’s up there. It was a pretty close race between me and Will Overs. But it was really good. I just try hard every week and, well, next year hopefully we can get a few wins on the board. That’s more important,” he said.
On that front, Ellis says there’s one obvious area if the Blues are to improve on their three wins last season, and that’s to get some more run into their game.
“I think we just lacked pace, some young guys and pace on the wings and on the outside. I think we’re pretty good in close, we get our fair share of ball but we just can’t spread it quick enough,” he said.
He believes the appointment of Sean Browning as coach will be a positive for the club and for the talented Overs, who will be freed up to get the best out of his own game.
The Two Blues have also re-signed Matt Wells but won’t have Will Prowse or Mal Fernie (who missed virtually of 2018 with injury) while James McCabe is uncertain.
Barellan
Football:
Seniors Best and Fairest: Sean Ellis
Seniors Runner-Up: Will Overs
Reserve Grade Best and Fairest: Nick Ohlsen
Netball:
A Grade
Best and Fairest: Jodie Landy
Rising Star: Paige Kenny
Coach’s Award: Renae Rawle
A Reserve
Best and Fairest: Charlotte Rainbird
Rising Star: Felicity Bonny
Coach’s Award: Danae Conlan
B Grade
Best and Fairest: Elizabeth Hawker
Rising Star: Katie Anderson
Most Consistent: Christie Smith
C Grade
Best and Fairest: Jessie McDermott
Most Determined: Isabella Smith
Coach’s Award: Jessie McDermott
Under 17s
Best and Fairest: Lilly Geltch
Most Improved: Kobiga Kandeepan
Coach’s Award: Eliza Burcham