After six mostly frustrating years on Geelong’s AFL list, Sandringham’s Mitch Brown is relishing the chance to play in the Peter Jackson VFL this season with less expectation on him.
But while his great form has helped the Zebras establish themselves in the top eight, Brown’s personal goal is to one day make it back to the elite level.
The 24-year-old was delisted at the end of 2014 after a combination of injury and lack of opportunity in Geelong’s dominant senior team prevented him from fully reaching his potential at Simonds Stadium.
The no.15 pick in the 2008 AFL Draft, 196cm Brown played 53 VFL games and just 15 AFL games with the Cats as a tall forward and, later, a tall defender.
For the 2015 season, the Sandringham local looked closer to home and signed with the Zebras, where he found coaches willing to help him achieve his goal.
“At the start of the year, I spoke to (senior coach) Paul Hudson and the coaching staff and said my goal was to get back to the AFL,” Brown said.
“Huddo’s bought in to what my goal is and he’s open to playing me wherever; I’ve been up forward, played down back a bit and now recently I’ve been moved to the wing.
“He’s been fantastic for me.”
Brown said the team always comes first, but he’s happy to help out while showing AFL recruiters his on-field versatility at the same time.
Those recruiters would have to be impressed with the performances Brown is producing this season.
He has booted 14 goals in 11 matches, averaging 19 disposals and seven marks per game – but in his last five outings, that disposal average has rocketed up to 25.
Having the freedom recently to roam on a wing clearly agrees with Brown, as does his status as one of Sandringham’s experienced heads.
Brown learnt from some of the best players of the modern era at Geelong and is now using his own knowledge to guide his younger teammates.
“We have a few experienced players like myself, Clint Jones, Trent Dennis-Lane, Myke Cook and Adam Cockie who’ve all had AFL experience, so I think we have to mentor those younger players,” Brown said.
Someone he’s enjoying having the chance to help is his younger brother Darcy, who returned to play with Sandringham after two senior games with the Zebras in 2012 and then two seasons playing local footy.
Mitch hasn’t taken the field with 23-year-old Darcy since they were at school together due to the 179cm wingman being unable to crack into Sandringham’s strong senior side this year.
But his own frustrating experience in the AFL means Mitch is well qualified to advise his brother.
“I’ve just told him to stay confident,” Mitch said.
“Even though it’s tough to get a game in the ones at the moment, I’ve just told him to stay positive and if he keeps playing well, (a senior game) will come.”
The need to stay positive is certainly a lesson Mitch Brown has learnt during his football career to date – he’ll be hoping it helps return him to the AFL at season’s end.
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Phot: Dave Savell
Last Modified on 10/07/2015 12:48