AFL free agency: Kangaroo Ben Brown wants to be a Demon, and this is why it’s a good fit
North Melbourne key forward Ben Brown wants to be traded to Melbourne. It’s a big coup for the Demons who desperately need a goal-kicker, Jay Clark explains.
Melbourne
Don't miss out on the headlines from Melbourne. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Melbourne is confident it can accommodate three talls in the same forward line next year as it attempts to clinch a deal for Ben Brown.
The Herald Sun on Monday revealed Brown had chosen the Demons to continue his career after North made the big call to off-load him in the exchange period.
And Jesse Hogan will replace Jeremy Cameron at GWS next year after the two clubs agreed to do a deal.
The Demons will offer a future second-round pick to the Roos for Brown, 27, who has booted 287 goals over 130 games in blue and white.
Kayo is your ticket to the best sport streaming Live & On-Demand. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
The 200cm full forward will significantly bolster Melbourne’s attacking setup after struggling to capitalise on its midfield strengths missing the finals over the past two seasons.
But the Demons must work hard to re-sign Western Australian Luke Jackson ahead of certain attempts from the two WA clubs to poach him.
Jackson, 19, is out of contract next year and will be in demand if the Demons cannot secure an extension over summer.
Coach Simon Goodwin will play Brown, Jackson and Sam Weideman together in the same forward half next season with the club facing a finals-or-bust season.
It means the Demons will explore Jackson’s versatility as a key-forward ruckman who will support captain Max Gawn in the ruck in 2021.
But the Demons also have high hopes the former Australian basketballer could play as a big midfielder or wingman in the same vein as Geelong utility Mark Blicavs in his second AFL season.
Jackson has won high praise for his ability to be able to win the ball and clearances at ground level.
LATEST: FOLLOW THE SECOND DAY OF FREE AGENCY LIVE
North made the call earlier in the year to put Brown up for trade and will now attempt to get the best deal for him. Trade sources said the goal kicker was worth a second-round pick on the back of a disappointing and injury-hampered season.
Brown is contracted for next season at North but is determined to recapture his best form at Melbourne.
North football manager Brady Rawlings said the list decision was made in the best interests of the club ahead of this year’s draft.
“Ben has been a great player for us and a great ambassador,” Rawlings said.
“We spoke honestly with Ben in September about the direction of our football club and what was best for his career, and we committed to finding an outcome that would suit both parties.
“As Ben has nominated his preferred club, we will now work to secure a trade that is a good outcome for the club.”
LATEST AFL NEWS:
TRICKS OF THE TRADE: HOW CLUBS ARE GAMING FREE AGENCY
ULTIMATE AFL TRADE GUIDE: HOW EVERY CLUB IS PLACED
MONEY OR MAGPIES: MIHOCEK CLOSE TO BIG CALL
VOTE NOW: WHO COPPED THE WORST TRADE DEAL IN 2019?
Brown was one of the AFL’s best key forwards between 2017-19 but his form tailed off badly last season before a knee injury ended his campaign.
He is guaranteed to get good supply from a Melbourne midfield including stars Gawn, Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver, Jack Viney and Angus Brayshaw.
Fremantle and the Giants will continue talks about the terms of the deal for Hogan who will move to a third club after time at Melbourne and Fremantle.
He is a natural replacement for Cameron but Hogan will have to apply himself on and off the field to make the move work.
The Giants and Cats have spoken about a deal for Cameron after GWS made the big call to match a free agency bid for the spearhead.