North Melbourne has opened contract talks with spearhead Ben Brown
Ben Brown wants to be a Kangaroo for life. North Melbourne wants to oblige. But how much is he worth? Club and player are in talks to lock him in at Arden St.
Nrth Melb
Don't miss out on the headlines from Nrth Melb. Followed categories will be added to My News.
North Melbourne has started contract talks with Ben Brown for a fresh deal that is likely to make the full-forward the club’s highest paid player and a Kangaroo for life.
Football boss Brady Rawlings and Brown’s manager, Adam Ramanauskas from TLA, confirmed to the Herald Sun that “positive discussions” were underway.
Watch LIVE coverage of the 2020 AFL State of Origin bushfire relief match with KAYO. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
Almost half of North’s list falls out of contract in 2020 and re-signing Brown shapes as the club’s No.1 priority.
“Ben’s out of contract and we’re negotiating at the moment,” Rawlings said.
“Obviously he’s a really important player for us, not just with his output on the ground. We’d like to get something done as soon as possible.
“Not many players leave this footy club and hopefully it stays that way.”
Securing Brown’s signature early shapes as a big win for the Roos.
Brown is expected to command a price tag in the vicinity of $700,000-800,000 per season. While recruit Jared Polec topped the wage list at Arden St last year, the former Port Adelaide wingman crossed on a five-year deal that was heavily front-ended.
Brown, 27, is expected to recommit for another two or three seasons. A three-year deal would see the Tasmanian turn 31 shortly after that contract expires.
MORE AFL:
Majak Daw makes incredible comeback in Marsh Community Series
Brown has booted 188 goals across the past three seasons, which is 21 more than any other player.
But the running machine has proven remarkably durable since he was drafted out of VFL club Werribee at pick No.47 in 2013.
The 200cm spearhead with the monster set-shot run-up has played 22 AFL games in each of the past five seasons.
Brown has also booted more than 60 goals every year since 2016. He has been unfortunate not to pick up a Coleman Medal or All-Australian guernsey so far.
Brown finished three goals behind Coleman winner Jeremy Cameron (GWS) last year, four goals behind Jack Riewoldt (Richmond) in 2018 and six goals behind Lance Franklin (Sydney) in 2017.
Cameron booted nine majors against wooden-spooner Gold Coast in Round 23 last year to pip the Kangaroo.