Roos aim tomove Brownon

Clean-out as club reshapes its list

NORTH Melbourne has put its Tasmanian spearhead Ben Brown up for trade as the club continues its extensive list overhaul.

In a dramatic step, the Roos yesterday confirmed they were prepared to part ways with the four-time leading goal kicker on the back of a season-ending knee injury and surgery.

It appears certain that Brown (pictured), who has booted 196 majors over the past four campaigns, will be wearing new colour sin 2021.

Essendon could make Brown, 27, a priority target in the event Joe Daniher departs Tullamarine, while Melbourne could also consider another key forward.

Collingwood is also in the market for a prime marking target after missing out on Tom Lynch two years ago.

North Melbourne football boss Brady Rawlings said it was a tough call to off-load the 200cm goal kicker after meeting with him on Friday. “It’s not a decision we’ve made lightly as Ben has been a tremendous part of our club since 2014,” Raw lings said.

“It was a very honest discussion[ last week ]. Ben understood our decision.

“We will work with Ben and his management to secure a mutually beneficial outcome .”

North Melbourne could secure a late first-round or second-round pick for Brown in November’s exchange period as the club bolsters its position in this year’s draft.

Brown has endured an ordinary year, slotting eight goals from nine games before the knee injury ended his season.

The Roos delisted 11 players and are also entertaining a trade for Ja red Polec.

News Corp revealed Melbourne is interested in Polec.

Rawlings said it was an important time for the club to reshape its list after a three-win season under new coach Rhyce Shaw.

“These recent changes can be difficult for everyone involved, including our members, but they have been made in the best interests of the club, ”he said.

“We have a clear plan and pathway to lead this club back to finals as quickly as possible.

“We know our members will back us in and trust we are only interested in getting better across the board. We will use every avenue and mechanism available to achieve that .”