Mitch Brown seeks second chance from AFL club after being delisted by Geelong

INJURY-PRONE Mitch Brown struggled for consistency at Geelong and was delisted at season’s end. Now he’s looking for a new club.

Delisted Geelong footballer Mitch Brown is looking for a second chance at a new AFL club. He had troubles with a shoulder injury last year but that is all clear now, and he is physically fit and working hard. Picture: Chris Eastman

MITCH Brown knew something wasn’t right.

Into his sixth season at Geelong and with just 13 games next to his name, he was sure that if he didn’t do something about the persistent pain in his shoulder, his time as an AFL player would be done.

Surgery in the middle of last season revealed the culprit was two screws from an earlier operation protruding from the back of the joint and causing friction on overlying tendons.

“I went to the club and said I’ve got to get it checked out, because I was sick of the pain I was getting in there,” he told the Herald Sun.

“I felt like it could be my last chance and I wanted to get it right, it’s definitely the best thing I’ve done because it’s feeling 100 per cent now.”

Mitch Brown played 15 games for Geelong in six seasons. Picture: Colleen Petch

With the screws, and pain, gone, the 196cm swingman found confidence in his overhead marking and noticed he could push himself harder in the gym.

He finished the season strongly and took five marks in Geelong’s semi-final loss to North Melbourne — his 15th league game.

“In the second half of the year I felt like my marking was back to where it was when I got drafted,” Brown said.

“I’ve got full range of motion, which I didn’t really have before because of the pain.

“Over the last few years there were some things I couldn’t do in the weight room because of how sore it was. But now the screws are out I can do anything, pretty much.”

Despite this, his initial fears were realised and Geelong chose to delist the first-round draft pick at season’s end.

“They seemed pretty happy with my year and they weren’t sure whether they were going to delist me for a couple of weeks,” he said.

Mitch Brown has recovered from shoulder problems and he is physically fit and working hard. Picture: Chris Eastman

“It’s a business, footy, I was obviously really disappointed to get delisted but hopefully it can open up a few more doors.”

The 24-year-old is desperate for the chance to show his pain-free shoulder will allow him to fulfil his potential.

“I’m happy to go anywhere in the country to play footy,” Brown said.

“I know a lot of people say it, but I still think my best footy is definitely ahead of me. “

Brown can sign with a club as a delisted free agent or via the upcoming drafts and an AFL recruiter told the Herald Sun any suitor would need to weigh up his obvious ability and injury history.

“He’s obviously a high-end talent, but he’s lacked continuity because he can’t get his body right,” the recruiter said.

“He might be that in-between size to play key position, but he has the ability to get around that if someone takes the punt.”

Originally published as Mitch Brown seeks second chance from AFL club after being delisted by Geelong