Words: Garry McKenzie
Image: Chris Simpson

Western Pride have announced central midfielder Nielen Brown as their latest re-signing for the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2017 season.

Brown has made 27 appearances for Pride since joining from Ipswich Knights at the beginning of last year and celebrated his first goal in Pride’s 5-1 rout of SWQ Thunder in June.

His presence was soon missed after being unavailable for the second half of the season, but Brown said this loss of game time has motivated him to return stronger next year.

“An overseas trip midseason interrupted my flow and I didn’t get to play as many games as I would have liked,” Brown said.

“I definitely found it challenging to come back with only three fixtures left and find rhythm again.”

Browns absence further reduced Pride’s midfield stocks with Jesse Rigby already having to deputise in defence and Adam Endean missing two months with injury.

Coach Graham Harvey responded by giving valuable experience to teenaged pair Gabriel Hawash and Jacob Minett in the centre of the park.

Brown said Pride’s commitment in fielding young players made it an easy decision for him to sign up again with the club.

 “Pride have found a way to balance both progressing young players and yet still be competitive at senior level,” Brown said.

“This is something I want to be surrounded by.”

Brown pointed to the departures of Joe Duckworth and Hayden Mchenery to Brisbane Roar as proof of Pride’s development credentials.

“I think that every player at Pride should look towards Hayden and Joe to see what can be achieved if you apply yourself and continue to work hard,” Brown said.

“These two have just proven what can be accomplished at Western Pride and should give us great confidence leading into next season.”

Brown added with the right guidance and attitude the club could achieve a top 6 finish next year.

“I think that the position we have finished at the end of the last two seasons isn’t reflective of the potential that we have at the club,” Brown said.

“Obviously we have lost a great talent in Joe Duckworth, but with some of the young players coming through we will continue to grow and become a much greater force in the league.”

Brown is the third Men’s player announced for next season, joining Corey Lucas and new signing Josh Grommen.