Adelaide has had its fair share of star midfielders and ball-users. Rory Sloane, the Crouch brothers, Bryce Gibbs and even Rory Laird off of Half-Back all have gained the plaudits for Adelaide’s consistent success, but one other midfielder is finally becoming the player that his potential promised.

When Cameron Ellis-Yolmen burst onto the scene in 2015, showing his big-body and toughness in the contest, many pipped him to be another great addition into the Crows’ midfield. His form did teeter off towards the back half of the year and he was overlooked in the finals, but he had done enough to earn a stay in Adelaide.

2016 saw struggles for Ellis-Yolmen, as he didn’t quite get any game time in the AFL despite dominating the SANFL, although in the two games of AFL footy that he did play he kicked 4 goals and snagged 31 possessions across those two matches, before a hamstring injury in the SANFL cut his season short.

The following season he was struck with adversity, after an ACL tear ruled him out for the season, forcing him to miss Adelaide’s venture into the Grand Final, before he was delisted from the club. Luckily, he was drafted again as a rookie, with the club putting faith in his health and ability.

In what was a down year for Adelaide, Ellis-Yolmen did what he could with limited game time, averaging 20 touches, 11 of them contested and 5 tackles in 15 games in 2018, during what was a forgotten year for the Crows. Things are looking much better now.

Ellis-Yolmen has played in 4 games so far this year, and is enjoying his best year in Adelaide, averaging a career best 24 disposals, coupled with his usual 5 tackles, providing grit, grunt work and energy in an otherwise star-studded midfield.

As Adelaide have finally been getting their season back on track, in what was a sloppy and hard-fought game against Fremantle, Ellis-Yolmen served up 33 possessions, 15 of them contested, 5 tackles, 5 inside 50s in a game that spent a lot of time in the middle, low-scoring and needed the hard work of players like him to get the job done. It’s no coincidence that his hit in form has helped Adelaide get back to winning ways, and he will be integral as he grows as a player to Adelaide’s efforts as they look to save their season from a miserable start.

An honourable mention also has to be for GWS’ Nick Haynes, who has backed up is great season with another standout performance against St Kilda.