Tyler Brown firming as Collingwood father-son pick in AFL draft

COLLINGWOOD fans were clamouring for father-son recruit Callum Brown to make his AFL debut, and now they might have another Brown to cheer soon.

COLLINGWOOD fans may have another Brown boy to cheer on in 2018 with Gavin’s youngest son firming as a father-son selection.

Tyler Brown, 17, enjoyed a breakout game against Bendigo Pioneers in his most recent TAC Cup game for Eastern Ranges before his private school football commitments at Marcellin College.

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Brown, the youngest son of club legend Gavin, sat in the grandstands at the MCG on Queen’s Birthday as older brother Callum made his debut for Collingwood.

This time next year, Tyler, a 188cm, 70kg midfielder/forward, may be doing the same thing.

Eastern Ranges talent manager Len Villani said Brown’s development would force Collingwood to consider him as a father-son selection.

Tyler Brown is firming as a father-son prospect for Collingwood. Picture: David Smith

“I think Collingwood are going have to be made accountable for him with the father-son bidding come the draft,” Villani said.

“In the past six to 12 months, he has really started to grow into his body.

“He is starting to understand how hard it is and how hard you have to work to play at the next level.

“His talent is untapped, he has a massive ceiling in terms of where he could potentially get to.

“He just does AFL things, there are things he does in games, I call it having the ‘Brown brain’.

“Dad had it, Cal clearly has it and I think Tyler has it somewhere in there, too.”

Gavin Brown with children Tyler (left), Tarni and Callum at Victoria Park in 2008.

Brown averaged seven disposals from his first three TAC Cup games but collected 16 touches and kicked a goal against Bendigo, providing further glimpses of his talent.

“There was just something and whether or not we could get it out of him we weren’t sure, but we’re starting to see the wheel turn now,” Villani said.

“His movement and ability in and out of traffic is similar to Cal — his footy brain to make good decisions.”

Tyler came to the Eastern Ranges’ program last year and is eligible for November’s draft, when Collingwood could select him as a father-son pick.

Callum was taken with pick No.35 in last year’s draft, with Collingwood selecting him after North Melbourne put in a bid.

Tyler last played football with Callum at Templestowe Junior Football Club (formerly Doncaster Heights) in the under-9s.

Callum Brown picked up 16 disposals in his AFL debut on Monday. Picture: Getty Images

The next time he plays alongside his brother could be in the black and white stripes.

“It would be awesome playing alongside Cal,” Tyler said.

“It was pretty cool seeing Cal achieve his dream he had been working so hard for since he started playing footy.

“Watching Cal go out there inspires me to do my best and see how far I can go with my footy.

“We’ll see what happens towards the end of the year.”

Tyler is set to spend more time through the midfield at Marcellin College and Eastern Ranges in the second half of the year.

“I think I use my speed well and I have pretty good agility so I can take the game on a bit,” he said.

“Every game I am getting better and better and learning more about different roles.

“I’ve been put into the midfield a bit more, which is good.”