Richmond has confirmed a new two-year deal for defender Brandon Ellis after a career-best season that has seen the former midfielder transform his game in a new role.

Ellis, who was coming out of contract, has signed a deal with the Tigers until the end of 2019 as the club continues to lock up key unsigned players while waiting on superstar Dustin Martin's signature.

The 24-year-old, whose deal was signed off late last week, has averaged 22.7 disposals as a defender this year, including a career-high seven contested possessions as a key player in the back six.

"It's exciting and I wanted to stay at the Tigers, it was just about getting everything right," Ellis told AFL.com.au.



"It's something off my mind now, which is good. The club has really looked after me and backed me in, so now I can just focus on the next few weeks and finals."

Ellis joins small forward Daniel Rioli and versatile midfielder Kamdyn McIntosh, who each recently signed on until the end of 2019, while wingman Shaun Grigg signed a one-year extension in May.

Richmond General Manager – Football Talent, Dan Richardson, said Ellis had shown great improvement in 2017 and was a key signing for the club.



"He's become a really consistent player, and his change of roles this year has allowed him to taker his footy to another level again," Richardson said.



"He's finished second in our best and fairest before and he's played 100 consecutive games, so he's been one of our more consistent players we've had on our list for the past four or five years.

"Our defence as a team unit is having a really strong year, and he's become an important part of that."