IT'S been a big year for Ben Brown, and it’s set to get even bigger, writes David O’Neill
The Werribee Tigers ruckman/key forward was one of four VFL players to be invited to October’s NAB AFL Draft Combine, that brings together the best talent outside the AFL and measures their character, skills and fitness over a grueling five days.
Brown’s teammate Luke McDonald, who captained Vic Metro in the NAB AFL U18 Championships and is still eligible for the TAC Cup, will also attend the Combine at Etihad Stadium, but is guaranteed to be selected by North Melbourne under the father-son rule at seasons’ end.
The pair join Port Melbourne star Chris Cain and Frankston forward Sam Lloyd as invitees, after standout years in the Peter Jackson VFL.
Lloyd has bagged 30 goals to date as a medium-sized forward, while Cain has 22 to his name despite spending more time in the Borough’s star-studded midfield this season.
But it has been Brown’s rise to prominence that has caught the attention of many throughout 2013.
After making the move from the Glenorchy Magpies in Tasmanian’s State League over summer, Brown has excelled under the guidance of Scott West and given him a selection headache along the way.
Battling for game time alongside North Melbourne-listed duo Majak Daw and Daniel Currie, Brown has proved he can match it with the best big men in the VFL and has performed equally well in the ruck and as a key forward.
But with the Tigers also boasting Ben Warren and now Ben Mickinley – after his mid-season return – Brown has been forced to fight hard for his spot each week.
“When I first decided to make the move over I honestly thought I’d be playing mostly in the Development League,” Brown said.
“Being able to learn from guys like Ben Warren and Ben McKinley, who have obviously played at the elite level, has been great and they’re probably got sick of me pestering them with questions.”
Having caught the eye as an underage player with the Tassie Mariners, Brown knows not to get caught up in draft speculation.
“Tasmania isn’t that big of place so I’ve had to deal with hype before and it’s not something I worry too much about.”
“I’ve been invited to the National and State Combine previously but had to miss them both through injury. But all that is behind me now and the body is feeling really good.”
Instead of worrying about his draft prospects, Brown said his focus was solely on helping Werribee’s quest for the VFL flag.
“I’m hopeful rather than expecting anything and I’m more interested in team success.”
“It’s one thing Scotty West is big on and that’s playing team football.”
“I think we’ve got the side to go deep into the final series this year and I know the more success we have as a group, then the better it is for me personally.”
For West, who watched on last year as key defender Kyle Hartigan won himself a spot on Adelaide’s rookie list, it’s a thrill to see another young star take his football to a new level.
“Ben’s is just a terrific story,” West said.
“He came over for a few weeks before Christmas and trained with us, and made the big decision shortly after to make the move and give the VFL a crack,” West said.
“He’s had a good year with some outstanding performances along the way. Guys that can play in the ruck but can also jump, mark and kick goals as a key forward, well there just isn’t too many of players like that around.”
With the Tigers almost certain to feature in finals action this season, West knows it’s important to help Brown keep his feet on the ground.
“Ben is the type of guy who will take it all in his stride and I said to him a couple of weeks ago that he doesn’t need to put any extra pressure on himself.”
“He just needs to keep doing things that have got him to where he is now and the rest will take care of its self.”
Last Modified on 29/07/2013 17:50