BEN BROWN made his AFL debut for North Melbourne in Round 14, 2014.
That match was against the Demons.
After being traded at the end of the 2020 season, he made his debut for the Demons in Round 7, 2021.
That match was against North Melbourne.
On Saturday afternoon, the key forward will play his 150th career game, and ironically, that will be for the Demons, against North Melbourne.
“You probably couldn’t have scripted all of that,” Brown told Narrm Media.
“That’s something that when I started my career with North, I didn’t think – well I was just trying to get a game, to start with.
“A lot of time has passed since then and I feel really grateful to be in the position I am in.”
From being recruited with pick No.47 in the 2013 National Draft, the Tasmanian had to work hard to earn his spot at the top level.
And the nine years since have been quite the adventure.
Brown had three consecutive seasons of booting over 60 goals, before finding himself out of the Kangas’ best 22, and in a battle with numerous knee injuries.
After joining the Dees and facing some fresh challenges, the key forward played 13 games in his first season and ended the year with a medallion around his neck.
“I know what it means to win a premiership now and it makes me want to win another one,” Brown said.
“That’s what we’re all striving for this year.
“It’s really good to reflect on the career when a milestone comes up and the ups and downs of it.
While just 20 of Brown’s 150 matches will have been in the red and blue, the club certainly holds a special place in his heart.
“It felt like home very, very quickly,” he said.
“I think it’s just the people … and the place that make you feel a huge part of it.
“I love playing with the group of guys that we’ve got and it’s just such a good feeling coming into work every day.
“The way the Melbourne Footy Club has been – and North before that – so supportive of me and my career.
“I’ve been lucky to have so many good mentors, great coaches along the way.
“I’m really thankful for that whole experience.”
For the duration of Sir Doug Nicholls Round, Melbourne Football Club will be rebranded and referred to as the Narrm Football Club.
