Switch to defence could be the making of Brown
A SUCCESSFUL switch to defence has helped Geelong AFLW father-daughter hopeful Millie Brown take her game to the next level this season.
The Cats appear wellplaced to secure the daughter of Paul Brown at this year’s draft in what would be the latest chapter in the club’s history of drafting children of past players.
Brown has been one of Vic Country’s best at the national under-18 championships on the Gold Coast, holding the defence together at fullback.
But with an attacking flair, the versatile Murray Bushrangers product is just as effective rebounding across halfback, making her one of the more noteworthy prospects heading into the draft.
Geelong can officially nominate for Brown in October and, like the men’s system, rival clubs can bid for her in the draft, though it is hoped she will end up at the Cats.
“I’ve generally played forward and wing, but this year I’ve gone into defence and I think I’ve found a niche there for myself,” Brown said from the Gold Coast yesterday ahead of today’s clash with the Eastern Allies.
“I feel more comfortable there and more switched on during the games.
“I’ve worked a lot on a lot of my off-field stuff — the mental side of things heading into games and my lead-up into games — so I think that’s something I’ve developed.
“It’s really helped me use my skills that I probably already had but wasn’t using to the best of my ability.”
A school captain at Notre Dame College in Shepparton, Brown also ticks all the boxes in a footy sense as part of the AFL Women’s academy.
A prodigious talent from a young age, it is her fourth year representing Vic Country at the championships, a feat matched by Geelong Falcons captain Lucy McEvoy.
“I probably feel like I’ve been playing my best footy as a defender,” Brown said.
Brown’s brother, Tom, is also in Queensland representing Vic Country at the under-16 championships, making for a busy period for the family.
Paul Brown played 84 games for the Cats in the 1990s.