Luke Brown joins Adelaide Footy League, Tea Tree Gully after retiring from the AFL

A former Crow has joined his old Adelaide Footy League club just weeks after retiring from the AFL, saying he is eager to compete for a premiership with his mates.

A former Crow has joined his old local club just weeks after retiring from the AFL.

Luke Brown enjoyed a strong 189-game career over 11 years with the Crows but will suit up for Tea Tree Gully in division one of the Adelaide Footy League next season after signing with the club on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old defender played his entire junior career at Gullies and won an U18 premiership with the club before departing for Norwood in the SANFL and ultimately being picked up by Adelaide.

Brown – who has a young family with wife Ingrid and daughter Aurora – said the decision to return to Pertaringa Oval was one he made quickly.

“It happened pretty quick after I announced my retirement from the Crows – I told my manager that an AFL lifestyle was done for me,” Brown said.

“Commercial real estate is the next part of my career and I’m really looking forward to focusing on my wife’s career and our young family so rejoining Gullies really ties in with all of that.

Brown takes on Melbourne's Bayley Fritsch. He enjoyed a strong 189-game AFL career with Adelaide. Picture: Sarah Reed

“I started at Gullies when I was five and I’ve always had that desire to return and repay them for what they’ve done for me. I’m really satisfied with my time at Adelaide and it feels a bit like I’m coming home now.”

Brown had always stayed connected with Tea Tree Gully throughout his AFL career, attending as many games as he could and showing support during their 2018 and 2020 premierships.

He said he could not turn down the opportunity to play with his best mates, some of whom were at the Crows Best and Fairest night in support last Thursday.

“First and foremost the chance to play with some of my great mates really excites me – I’ve only played with Alex McKay but there are a bunch of others who’ve been so supportive of me through my career who I can’t wait to play alongside.

Luke Brown and Ingrid Brown at last week’s Adelaide Crows Best and Fairest night. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

“I’ve got so many memories of playing for and supporting the club and I was so pumped to watch their recent flags. Winning one with the guys is something I really want to experience.

“Coach Justin Maschotta and the rest of the club have been so accommodating for me and I’m keen to get out there and play.”

Brown becomes yet another big name to join division one of the Adelaide Footy League, with players like Jack Trengove, Sam and Tom Gray, and former Crows teammate Jared Petrenko all set to play next year.

He was excited by the new challenge.

“It’s great to go into a league that’s still really strong, there’s so much talent,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to testing myself and I’m expecting a high level of competition.”