The Saints witnessed the blossoming of future stars during their encouraging 2025 season, with Ryley Ely cementing his place as a crucial midfield player in his debut senior season.
Crossing from Ovens & Murray club Wangaratta Rovers, where he captained the Rovers’ thirds to premiership glory and scored a senior debut with the eventual premiers, the 19-year-old played all 18 games and averaged 21 disposals, five marks, and five clearances in a breakout campaign.
A mirror of Benalla’s improvement, Ely’s work during August has also seen him nominated as The News’ GVL Rising Star of the month.
The 19-year-old signed off on the season with a series of workmanlike performances, headlined by a near best-on-ground display in the Saints’ 23-point defeat to GVL high-flyers Rochester.
Ely accumulated 34 disposals, nine marks and laid five tackles in the in the loss to the Tigers, the left-footer competing well against a talented opposition.
That performance came a week after playing a leading role in Benalla’s fourth and final win of the season, collecting 32 touches, 11 marks and booting a goal in a big win over Tatura.
And the good news for Benalla supporters? You’ll be seeing more of the same next year after Ely put pen to paper for another season at the showgrounds.
Ryley Ely’s August averages
Disposals: 30.3
Marks: 9.3
Tackles: 3.6
Ranking points: 144
9°C