Xavier Ellis

Xavier John Ellis (born 28 February 1988) is a former professional Australian rules footballer who played for the Hawthorn Football Club and West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League (AFL). Over 120 senior matches, and two AFL Clubs, Xavier played in three grand finals (2008, 2012 and 2015), winning in 2008

Xavier Ellis
Personal information
Full name Xavier John Ellis
Nickname(s) X, X-Man, Fat-X[1]
Date of birth (1988-02-28) 28 February 1988
Original team(s) Gippsland Power (TAC Cup)
Draft No. 3 (PP), 2005 national draft
Height 189 cm (6 ft 2 in)
Weight FAT
Position(s) Midfielder
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
2007–2013 Hawthorn 086 (28)
2014–2016 West Coast 034 0(9)
Total 120 (37)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2016.
Career highlights
  • AFL premiership: 2008
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

AFL career

Ellis was drafted by the Hawthorn Football Club with their first selection and third overall in the 2005 national draft. In 2006, he focused on completing his year twelve studies and playing football for Melbourne Grammar, where he was co-captain of the 1st XVIII. His season was wrecked by injuries, but he managed to play several games for Hawthorn's VFL affiliate, the Box Hill Hawks.

He made his senior debut against the Brisbane Lions in round one, 2007 and scored his first goal in round four against Geelong at Aurora Stadium. His debut season saw him rewarded with the club's best first year player.

During the 2008 season, he played 23 matches, averaging 20 disposals. Xavier played in the 2008 AFL Grand Final, where he amassed 28 disposals (the most for Hawthorn) and helped his team defeat Geelong. This would be his first and only Premiership as a player but he would go onto play in two more grand finals.

From 2009 to 2012, he was hampered by a string of injuries throughout this period. He missed most of the 2012 season, only managing to play five matches, including the 2012 grand final loss. This would Xavier's second Grand Final appearance and first loss as a player.

In 2013, he was restricted to just two games after numerous calf injuries and at the end of the season he signed with the West Coast as an unrestricted free agent.[2] This would be the same time former Hawthorn Football Club Assistant Coach Adam Simpson would become West Coast Eagles Head Coach.

From 2014 to 2015, he played the majority of both seasons including the 2015 AFL Grand Final against his old side, Hawthorn.[3] This would Xavier's third grand final appearance and second loss as a player.

After managing just two matches in the 2016 season, Ellis announced his immediate retirement from the AFL in August via a post on Instagram.[4]

Media

In February 2017, Ellis was announced as co-host of Weekend Breakfast on Hit 92.9 with Heidi Anderson.[5]

In January 2018, Ellis was announced at co-host of Heidi, Xavier and Ryan, Hit 92.9's Weekday breakfast program with Heidi Anderson and Ryan Jon.[6]

Throughout the 2018 WAFL season Xavier was seen on the Channel Seven television coverage. The following year, Ellis would replace Peter Bell for Channel Seven's coverage of AFL matches in Perth. His role has been primarily as a boundary rider and to conduct interviews during the quarter breaks.

In June 2018, Ellis admitted on radio that he was significantly fat.[7]

Statistics
[8]
Legend
 G  Goals  B  Behinds  K  Kicks  H  Handballs  D  Disposals  M  Marks  T  Tackles
Season Team No. Games Totals Averages (per game)
G B K H D M T G B K H D M T
2007 Hawthorn 321332787415249240.20.26.05.711.73.81.8
2008 Hawthorn 82331205250455151530.10.08.910.919.86.62.3
2009 Hawthorn 811308710519247350.30.07.99.517.54.33.2
2010 Hawthorn 823107207193400106890.40.39.08.417.44.63.9
2011 Hawthorn 8831846414846190.40.110.58.018.55.82.4
2012 Hawthorn 86604435791481.00.07.35.813.22.31.3
2013 Hawthorn 82029312340.01.04.51.56.01.52.0
2014 West Coast 1817721748425853400.40.110.24.915.23.12.4
2015 West Coast 1815101646222676220.10.010.94.215.15.11.5
2016 West Coast 18210111122640.50.05.55.511.03.02.0
Career 120 37 15 1063 881 1944 551 298 0.3 0.1 8.9 7.3 16.2 4.6 2.5

References
  1. https://www.afl.com.au/news/133001/weird-footy-nicknames-so-why-do-they-call-gov-brackets
  2. Niall, Jake (15 October 2013). "Xavier Ellis to sign with West Coast". The Age. Melbourne: Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 30 December 2013. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
  3. Australian Associated Press (30 September 2015). "AFL Grand Final: Xavier Ellis ready to fire for West Coast Eagles against former club". Perth Now. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
  4. "Premiership Player Retires Over Instagram". Triple M. 9 August 2016. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
  5. "Heidi & Xavier confirmed for hit92.9 Weekend Breakfast". www.radiotoday.com.au. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  6. https://mumbrella.com.au/hit-92-9-reveals-heidi-xavier-ryan-new-perth-breakfast-show-480610
  7. https://www.hit.com.au/shows/heidi-xavier-ryan/content/xavier-ellis-has-taken-a-swipe-at-fat-shaming-after-yet-another-comment-was-made-about-his-weight
  8. "Xavier Ellis". AFL Tables. Retrieved 20 August 2014.
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