Castlemaine interested in Ben Brown playing but nothing finalised yet

Recently retired premiership player Ben Brown could be on his way to playing country footy next season with a mate. Here is what we know.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 23: The Demons form a guard of honour for retiree Ben Brown during the 2024 AFL Round 24 match between the Melbourne Demons and the Collingwood Magpies at The Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 23, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Castlemaine coach Michael Hartley says he has spoken to Ben Brown about potentially playing for the club next year but nothing has been confirmed.

Brown recently announced this year was his last in AFL after 11 seasons with Melbourne and North Melbourne.

He kicked 359 goals in 174 matches and was part of the 2021 premiership team with the Demons.

His retirement immediately led to what will he do in 2025 with Castlemaine heavily linked to the forward with Hartley close friends with Brown.

Castlemaine, who finished sixth in the Bendigo league in one of their best seasons in years, is looking to build again to play finals after Hartley and the team won seven games.

The coach was with Brown last Friday night at the MCG as the Melbourne player said farewell with a lap of honour.

He said at this stage nothing had happened.

“I went to the footy with him (on Friday), so I had a nice chat to him then,” Hartley said.

Ben Brown in action in one of his last games for Melbourne. Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“We talked a bit of footy but it was mostly around getting around him.

“He’s coming to the end of an awesome career.”

Hartley said he would wait and see what happens in the off-season with Brown.

While not ruling out Brown coming he also said the 31-year-old might need a rest after dealing with the rigours of AFL for the past few years.

“Whether he’ll play or not, I’m not sure, he’s a bit sore and a bit tired of footy for a little bit,” Hartley said.

“I’ll leave him alone for a little bit.

“He’s a pretty good player so it would be very nice to have, but we’ll wait and see on that.”

Hartley said the clubs recruiting would focus on getting a key forward, another ruckman and a couple of other players to help the team rise up the ladder.

He added the process has already started.

The Bendigo league finals start this weekend with Gisborne, Sandhurst, Golden Square, Eaglehawk and Strathfieldsaye involved.