South Adelaide’s Jemma Ellis could be one of those rare football ‘unicorns’ that get discussed, similar to Nik Cox at Essendon. The reason being, that while most rucks stand at around 180cm or taller, Ellis has held down the ruck role at South Adelaide for more than half the season, standing at just 172cm. It should come as no surprise that she has a wicked vertical leap and nice athleticism, but for a purple patch before sharing the role with Tiffany Copley, was picking up 20-plus hitouts a game.

Ellis thrived in the mid-season prior to heading away for state representative duties, averaging 20.5 hitouts from 11 disposals between Rounds 3-6. In her other five SANFLW games, Ellis has averaged a around six touches and seven hitouts, such is the consistency she needs to iron out. There is certainly potential there, though at 172cm ruck at AFLW level is unheard of, which is why she was also tested in defence at the AFLW Under 18 Championships. Though not winning a lot of it - to be fair the Croweaters defence was rarely under pressure - Ellis showed she could play a different role for clubs concerned about her size when it comes to a ruck role at the elite level.

Ellis seemed to get involved with the Panthers when rucking around the ground, able to take on the “fourth midfielder” tag well, following through with tackles or second efforts from the stoppages, not afraid to clear the ball from congestion as well. In the game against Glenelg in Round 3, Ellis had 13 disposals, 19 hitouts, three tackles, five clearances and two inside 50s in a strong effort. She did not take a mark though, which is another area of improvement, having clunked just seven for the year, three of which came against West Adelaide. Though Ellis does have areas to improve on, her athletic base is enough to excite clubs about her potential.