Brown earns his place

PAUL Roos says Collingwood father-son Callum Brown has proved he is not a token selection despite a big Queen’s Birthday debut.

Premiership coach Roos believes the Demons failed Jack Watts when they unveiled the No.1 draft pick on Queen’s Birthday as a marketing stunt. He still thinks the club put too much pressure on Watts that day, as the key forward was mauled by a Collingwood side intent on targeting him.

But Brown is the natural fit to come in as a half-forward to replace Jamie Elliott (ankle) after he was the travelling emergency against Fremantle. It is a stunning rise for the son of Team of the Century star Gavin, seen as only a rookie pick at the start of the 2016 season.

He capped a sensational season with three goals in a TAC Cup preliminary final, but after being drafted at pick 35 was hit with glandular fever in January. He will play his first game in 23 days, the last of his six VFL games a 28possession haul followed by a VFL bye and his role as the emergency.

“You do someone a disservice when you pick them because they are a No.1 selection or father-son,’’ Roos said. “But the Pies are picking him based on injuries and form. He has gone through the normal process of selection.”

He said his advice to every AFL debutant was basic and to the point.

“My message always to the kids is when you get it, kick it,’’ he said. “First possession just get it on to the boot. Don’t get tackled, kick it and then you will pick up the speed of the game.”