Gold Coast veteran Brandon Ellis has announced his retirement, effective immediately.
The 30-year-old only managed four games this season, taking his career tally to 251.
Ellis began his career at Richmond and played in two premierships before joining the Suns on a big-money deal after the 2019 season.
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He was a consistent performer at Gold Coast before falling out of favour this year.
“I’m honoured to have had such an amazing journey in the AFL and to have met some incredible people who will be a part of my life forever,” Ellis said.
“I’d like to thank the Richmond Football Club for changing my life and giving me the opportunity to live my dream.
“To my Gold Coast Suns family, it’s been a great adventure to move our life up here and it has been the best decision we’ve ever made.
“Gold Coast is home now and we can’t see ourselves leaving anytime soon.
“To Dimma (Suns coach Damien Hardwick), thank you for everything from the very beginning to the end. You have had a massive impact on my life and I can wholeheartedly say I am a better man because of you.”
Ellis played 176 games for Richmond after debuting in 2012, before joining the Suns ahead of the 2020 season.
He played 75 games for his second club.
Suns GM of football Wayne Campbell said Ellis had made a significant impact on the club in his time on the Gold Coast.
“We’d like to congratulate Brandon on all he has achieved throughout his decorated career with both Richmond and the Gold Coast Suns,” Campbell said.
“To attract a player of Brandon’s quality and with premiership experience was a significant result for our club and we are grateful for everything Brandon has given us in five years at the Suns.
“He will retire as a champion of two clubs, and we’d like to wish Brandon and Sarah all the best for the next chapter of their lives.”
Gold Coast sit 13th and remain a mathematical chance to feature in the finals for the first time in their history.
– With AAP