by John Fotinos
The flame haired Scotsman with the sublime left foot and silky skills has always been a crowd pleaser. Easy on the eye, seemingly gliding on the turf & creating havoc for opposition defences. Manufacturing chances for teammates where none ought be possible, with finesse and guile, teasing passes and tantalising traps – Sean Ellis is as much an artist composing a visual delight as a gifted footballer.
For nearly a decade now, Ellis has left ‘Berger and other football fans in awe of his incredible ability to make the ball his own plaything. Opposing teams know better than to foul within “Ellis territory” – they instinctively realise a dipping swerving shot arrowing in towards the back of the net comes next.
On the eve of an historic 200th game for Heidelberg United, Ellis reminisced about some remarkable moments over the journey, from the amazing win in the Australia Cup over Perth Glory (where an Ellis assist saw Athiu score the winner), to the NPL Australia Cup win in 2017 (where Ellis scored a goal in a 2-0 win over Brisbane City – Victoria’s sole win in that competition) and the Dockerty Cup and NPL Victoria Grand Final 2018 win as standouts.
Ellis is already revered at Heidelberg United, sitting third on the all time goal scorer list, with so many memorable goals – perhaps none more so than the injury time winner at Avondale in the penultimate regular season game of 2019 – one that clinched a third consecutive Premier Plate trophy for his team.
And this writer will remember fondly the virtuoso performance in 2018 against North Geelong at Olympic Village, a night in which Ellis scored five in the 8-0 victory, including one which I described as “not just a goal, it’s the ultimate party trick”.
It’s fitting that Ellis plays his 200th game in a team gathering momentum week by week, in a manner that is pleasing to observe. Well played, Sean Ellis, the superlatives are barely enough to describe the pride and joy it’s been to witness what you bring each game. I’m unashamedly greedy enough to hope for 200 more!
