Reg Ellis

Born in Randwick, New South Wales, Reg Ellis was a rare early example of a Sydney-based recruit making a mark in the VFL. After picking up the sport during his school years in Melbourne, he returned north to captain YMCA and represent New South Wales at the 1911 Adelaide Carnival, where his performances caught the eye of St Kilda scouts. Establishing himself as a reliable defender with a precise drop kick, Ellis became a key fixture in the Saints' backline, notably playing in the club’s 1913 Grand Final loss to Fitzroy. His prime footballing years were interrupted by World War I, during which he served in the artillery, and upon his return in 1920 he managed just a single senior appearance for Melbourne. He eventually returned to representative duties, captaining New South Wales to a famous victory over Queensland at the 1924 Hobart Carnival, and later achieved distinction as a first-class cricketer for Victoria in his late thirties.