Thankfully there was no disappointment for the 21-year old last night when the determined Tasmanian was chosen by North Melbourne with pick 47.
“I’d always told myself throughout the year to hope but don’t expect, when it came to the draft,” Brown told NMFC.com.au on Friday.
“You start hearing the names get called out and you get the same heart flutters I had the last three years. I suppose that’s where the relief comes in, to hear my name called out was a massive rush. I was just ecstatic and probably a little bit relieved as well for North to give me a chance, especially to go to a great club with such a rich history.”
A devastating injury at under-18s in 2010 was the beginning of the frustrating challenges Brown faced in his pursuit of an AFL career.
“I played as a top age and an over-age Mariner but I did my ACL in my top age year after a teammate of mine, Jimmy Webster who is now on St Kilda’s list, accidently ran into me. Then the following year I had some groin issues,” Brown explained.
“The last two years I’ve finally put together full seasons and got rid of the injury-prone tag that I had over myself. At the end of last year I made the decision that I wanted to move over (to Melbourne) and take my footy to the next level because I really wanted to push for an AFL spot.”
Making the move couldn’t have been better for Brown as he joined Werribee in the VFL and his journey to becoming a Kangaroo began.
“Werribee approached me and got me over. I’ve really enjoyed my time there and learnt so much from the club, Scott West and some of the North players as well. Playing with guys like Majak (Daw), Dan Currie and even young guys like Mason Wood, Tim McGenniss, Jordan Gysberts and Will Sierakowski. I learnt a lot throughout this year.
“I didn’t really have many mates here being a Tassie boy so it was a tough decision to move over, first time being away from home as well was pretty big for me… but the desire to play at a higher level of football and prove that I could play at a higher level was too great. I think it’s paid off at the end of the day.”
It will be a tough initiation for the new Roo who will head straight to Utah to begin his first AFL pre-season and get to know his teammates.
“I think the club might be sending me over next Tuesday. I’m really looking forward to that, it will obviously be hard and I know the work starts now. It’s probably the hardest work that I’ve done before but I’m just really keen to get over there and get started.
“I’m really looking forward to catching up with them (the players) in Utah. I think what makes settling in even easier is they’re all really good blokes as well, they’re all easy to get on with and I really appreciated them for being so open when we were with Werribee.”
Brown kicked 29 goals for the Tigers this season and at 199cm, he is capable of playing a diverse role for North.
“I played about 80% forward and 20% ruck in a side with big “Cuz” (Currie) and Maj (Daw) this year. I think I can play both roles but I’ll have to talk to the coaches at the club as to what my role will be.
“I added a string to my bow playing mostly forward this year, whereas I was always a ruckman in Tasmania. I feel comfortable as either a forward or a ruckman.”
Brown spent draft night surrounded by his family in Hobart and was overjoyed to finally be able to celebrate his fairy-tale ending.
“I was with mum, dad, five little brothers, my grandma and my grandma’s two sisters. We were all sitting around the computer because we haven’t got Foxtel at home so we were listening to the radio on AFL.com,” Brown said.
“It was pretty exciting when it happened, it was a little bit of surprise to be honest but it was a welcome surprise.There might have been a few tears shed between my grandma and my two aunties who were there as well. It was great to be home with the family to experience that.”
