Broadbeach junior Jarred Ellis will have an opportunity to play senior AFL football in 2014, after the Gold Coast SUNS Academy player secured a spot on the club’s playing list as a local zone rookie.

He becomes the third GC SUNS Academy player to earn a Club Guernsey, following in the footsteps of young gun Alex Sexton and former Cats teammate Andrew Boston.

A medium-build midfielder with great poise and a clean kick, Ellis will be looking to showcase his exciting line-breaking ability next season if elevated onto the senior list.

Under the tutelage of former AFL player and Academy mentor Jason Torney, Ellis has shined through program, managing several appearances in the NEAFL team this year in between his representative duties for Queensland.

GC SUNS List & Strategy Manager – Scott Clayton, welcomed the Academy graduate to the club.

“Jarred has been part of our Academy program for a few years, and has proven himself as a worthwhile player to be put on our Rookie list,” he said.

“He has worked very hard and in his NEAFL appearances, has shown some very exciting signs.

“He will be looking for consistency after undergoing a shoulder operation mid-season, but he is a very worthwhile addition to our rookie list.”

Clayton was thrilled to add another Queenslander to the list, with the club’s recruitment strategy continuing to place a heavy emphasis on using AFL football as a pathway for elite local talent.

“Since our inception to the national code, we have maintained a belief and desire to be a vehicle for Queensland talent and Ellis’ recruitment is just another example of that,” Clayton said.

“We’re really proud to have Queenslanders coming through our pathway.”

Position: Midfielder
Height: 189cm
Weight: 80kg
Born: 18/4/95
Home club: Broadbeach