The Hawthorn premiership player had an up-and-down season if ever there was one. Brown missed four weeks through suspension, another four with a broken pelvis. On the field, he was tough, uncompromising and did his job most weeks. The GC SUNS need his experience, so Brown won't want to miss as many games as he did last year.
Originally taken by Hawthorn with Pick 32 of the 2001 National Draft, Brown debuted the following year, earned a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination while he was at it, and went on to amass 159 games with Hawks.
Although capable of fulfilling many roles on the field, Brown’s old school doggedness and physicality saw him hold down defensive posts for the majority of his career.
His tenacity down back was rewarded with All Australian selection as a relatively undersized centre half back after an astonishing 2007 season that saw him beat more fancied opponents with monotonous regularity. He has twice been selected to play for Australia in International Rules against Ireland, and was a crucial member of Hawthorn’s famous 2008 Grand Final victory over then premiership favourite Geelong. He was the GC SUNS fourth uncontracted player signing.
Player honours: Hawthorn 2nd best and fairest 2007; All-Australian 2007; International Rules Series 2006, 2008; NAB AFL Rising Star nominee 2002; Hawthorn premiership side 2008.
Brownlow Medal: career votes 5.
Previous AFL club: Hawthorn (2002-10: 159 games, 64 goals).
Draft history: 2001 National AFL Draft 2nd round selection (Hawthorn) No. 32 overall; 2010 uncontracted player selection (Gold Coast).
