RICHMOND CEO Brendon Gale has expressed the club's disappointment at receiving only a second-round compensation pick for losing free agent Brandon Ellis to Gold Coast. 

The two-time premiership Tiger officially became a Sun on Saturday when Richmond chose not to match the Suns' lucrative five-year deal. 

The AFL announced the reigning premiers would receive a second-round compensation pick (currently No.39) for Ellis, rather than the first-round selection the club had hoped for.  

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Gale took to Twitter on Saturday evening to make public Richmond's frustration, revealing that the Tigers asked the AFL to review the decision. 

"AFL has since explained that the points allocated (based on age & average $$$), fell just short of the points required for the awarding of a 1st Rd pick in 2019," Gale wrote. 

Ellis has been at Richmond for eight seasons and was part of its drought-breaking flag in 2017 and was again a member of the victorious team against Greater Western Sydney last Saturday.

The hard-running wingman's future has been speculated about all season, and Gold Coast's long-term offer to the restricted free agent is reported to be in the vicinity of $600,000 a season.

The Suns officially lodged their offer on Friday, the first day of the free agency period, and the Tigers confirmed on Saturday they would not match the terms, allowing Ellis to join the Suns.  

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"Brandon has proven his ability at AFL level over the past eight seasons and we're excited by the opportunity to add a dual premiership player to our midfield group," Gold Coast head of recruiting Craig Cameron said.

"In line with our strategy, we're keen to target players who will complement our young group and are committed to help drive our club forward. Brandon fits that perfectly."



After a rare move from reigning premiers to wooden spooners, Ellis said he was excited to join the Suns.

"I've been impressed by the club and its people; there are great facilities and I'm really looking forward to the journey on the Coast," Ellis said.

"I've been really lucky to play in two flags in the last three years, so hopefully I can bring some of that knowledge up here and help out this group. There is so much talent and I think it could be exciting times ahead."

Ellis will join former Richmond teammates Anthony Miles and Corey Ellis, who both headed to the Suns 12 months ago, as Gold Coast tries to rebuild.

"I've known 'Secco' (Alex Sexton) for a while as well, so he's been awesome the past few days," Ellis said.

The 26-year-old has played 176 games for the Tigers since being selected with pick 15 in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft.

He played 23 of 25 matches this year, having reinvented himself as a winger after years as a half-back flanker, and averaged 21 disposals.