TWO-TIME premiership midfielder Brandon Ellis has officially informed Richmond of his wish to explore his options as a free agent.
Ellis, 26, is a restricted free agent and is expected to join Gold Coast on a five-year deal worth more than $550,000 a season.
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His Richmond teammates entered Saturday's Grand Final knowing it was Ellis' final game in yellow and black.
Ellis (right) with Tigers skipper Trent Cotchin after their Grand Final win over Greater Western Sydney. Picture: AFL Photos
"Brandon has been an outstanding contributor to our team and our Club for a long period of time, and we respect his rights as a Free Agent," Richmond list manager Blair Hartley said.
"Brandon and the Club have been in constant communication throughout the season, and we would like to acknowledge the way he has conducted himself throughout the year.
"As always, Brandon has put the team first, and he is now a dual premiership player for Richmond. The club will work through the process with Brandon and his management when the Free Agency period begins on Friday."
Ellis 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.