Ellard showed good form in the first half of 2014, kicking seven goals in the first five games, and was earning a reputation as a hard-tackling forward before a calf injury interrupted his progress.
He worked hard to regain his spot in the team and played his 50th AFL game in round 19 against Fremantle.
However Ellard's strong end to the season was cut short when he suffered ligament damage to his ankle.
He has been at Carlton since 2008, joining the club as a rookie and persisting through the first three years after making his debut in round seven, 2008, and then playing his second game in round 17, 2010.
Ellard has now played 53 games, including three final,s and shapes as the hard body that will complement the Blues' midfield/forward set up in 2015.
Carlton had an active trade period, recruiting Mark Whiley, Kristin Jacksh, Liam Jones and signing Matthew Dick as a delisted free agent.
It has also committed to picking up Jason Tutt, who has delisted himself from the Western Bulldogs, in the pre-season draft.
The Blues traded Jeff Garlett and delisted Brock McLean, Mitch Robinson and Kane Lucas.
The Brisbane Lions signed free agent Robinson to a two-year deal last week.
West Coast has indicated Lucas is on its radar but AFL.com.au understands he is among a pool of players the club is considering for the upcoming NAB AFL Draft rather than selecting him as a delisted free agent, while McLean's future remains uncertain.
