Mordialloc secures former AFL player Mitch Brown

Former AFL Cat, Bomber and Demon Mitch Brown has already had a big impact at his new club Mordialloc as his role with the Bloods is outlined.

Mitch Brown of the Demons in action during the 2022 AFL Round 13 match against Collingwood at the MCG. Picture: Michael Willson

He was a man in demand, with a swag of metro and country football clubs jostling for his signature.

But Mitch Brown, fresh out of the AFL, wanted to be a Mordi man, and sported a beaming smile as he posed for photos with Bloods coach Brendon Moore after linking with the Southern Football league Division 1 club last Thursday.

“It’s huge for us,” Moore said of Brown’s signing.

After 79 games with three AFL clubs — Geelong, Essendon and Melbourne — Brown is looking forward to playing local football.

“He lives locally and he knows a few of the boys,” Moore said.

“We work so hard trying to recruit, ringing and talking to people, and to get someone of his calibre in the club is huge”

Mitch Brown and Mordialloc coach Brendon Moore. Picture: Facebook

Moore said Brown, 32, who played in Casey Demons’ VFL premiership side this season, would play centre half-forward for Mordialloc although he was versatile enough to play in most positions.

“He can play anywhere, he can definitely go back as well,” he said.

Asked if he thought Brown was the best recruit in suburban football this off season, Moore said: “Well, he played senior footy this year at Melbourne.

“And he’s been in the system for 13 years too, so you’ve got to be doing something right to play that long don’t you.”

Brown was taken as a first round draft selection by Geelong in 2008 but didn’t debut until 2011 after missing his first season with a broken leg.

He played 15 games with the Cats before joining Essendon, which picked him up as a top-up player after the supplements scandal decimated the Bombers’ playing list.

Mitch Brown playing for Essendon.

Brown managed 55 games in the red and black before being delisted and being selected by Melbourne in the 2020 SSP.

He played nine games in three seasons at Melbourne.

“To have been on an AFL list for 13 seasons is a fantastic achievement and something Mitch should be very proud of,’’ Melbourne list manager Tim Lamb said.

“Mitch has been able to get every ounce out of himself and his longevity in the system is testament to his character.”

Mordialloc finished in eighth spot this year, with a 5-13 record.

The Bloods have also recruited Glen Waverley players Jacob McElroy, a small forward, and James Brailsford Hunt, a ruckman and 19-year-old Ethan Wright, the son of MPNFL champion Brett Wright. Ethan missed last year due injury but is a well regarded inside mid/forward who will add skill to the Bloods.

Moore said the Bloods were chasing other recruits.

“We’re still talking to a few,” he said.