Ben Brown says the Kangaroos are ‘doing their bit’ for Tassie footy

NORTH Melbourne sharpshooter Ben Brown is “saddened” by the loss of Burnie and Devonport from the TSL but says plenty of Tassie talent is coming through the Roos’ Next Generation Academies. SIGN THE SAVE OUR FOOTY PETITION

Ben Brown says he is disappointed at the loss of Devonport and Burnie from the State League. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

NORTH Melbourne sharpshooter Ben Brown was “saddened” by the loss of Burnie and Devonport from the TSL and said the Kangaroos were doing their bit for Tasmanian football.

North Melbourne’s leading goal kicker and third in the Coleman Medal last year, Brown said North had done “quite a bit” in his home state — the Kangaroos’ home away from home.

TSL players now have the opportunity to test their mettle at a higher level by playing for the Kangaroos in the VFL this season. Tasmanian players are already on the radar of North Melbourne recruiters as the Kangaroos prepare to field their AFLW team next summer.

Join the campaign to save our footy. Download your poster here and use #saveourfooty on social media to spread the word.

Brown was speaking at a North Melbourne super clinic for about 500 Hobart schoolchildren at North Hobart Oval on Tuesday.

“We’ve got our Next Generation Academies going well and we’re taking on TSL players this year to play in our VFL side and I’ve sat in on a lot of AFLW list management sessions and we’re looking to get a good percentage of Tasmanian girls drafted to our team,” he said.

“Hopefully, that will come through in the next 12 months and it will be a nice boost for Tasmanian football.”

The absence of a team from the state’s North-West Coast disappointed Brown, who was honoured at the weekend when Glenorchy named its junior academy after him.

“Glenorchy and Devonport footy clubs both did a massive amount for me in terms of development so anything I can give back to footy here and also to Devonport, where I grew up, I try to do that,” he said.

“It’s disappointing and a little bit sad that Devonport is no longer in the TSL. Being a Devonport boy, growing up I always had the Devonport footy club there for me.

“They’re still about, playing in the local league, but it’s a difficult situation and one they will have to look at for sure.”

Brownlow Medal winner Adam Cooney criticised the attendance, 1957 fans, at North Melbourne’s JLT match against Melbourne at the Twin Ovals on Saturday.

“It was pouring with rain in the morning and that would have influenced people who might have come to Kingston to watch us play,” Brown said.

“We’ve got three games down here this year and we are hoping for a big crowd for our Saturday night game against Carlton in Round 4. I wouldn’t read anything into it.

“It was raining cats and dogs and a few of us players were surprised because the Tassie weather turned it on for us in the afternoon, and a few of us got sunburned.”

Brown hopes to build on his solid season last year.

“I’m and going to push to be the best I can possibly be and try to repay the club for having the faith to select me in the draft,” he said.

“I did take me a while to get to AFL level and now I’m here I want to make sure I make the most of my opportunity.

“We’ve got a lot of young guys relishing the opportunity to play senior football this year and I think it’s going to be a really exciting year.”

Landsdowne Crescent Primary School students Connie Walker and Maverick Bradley at the football super clinic with North Melbourne AFL star, Ben Brown. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

BROWN LOVES HELPING KIDS KICK ON

HE was king of the kids at North Hobart Oval and North Melbourne’s Tassie Kangaroo Ben Brown is always happy to give back to his home state.

About 500 kids flooded the traditional home of Tasmanian football for North Melbourne’s super clinic, attended by everyone from captain Kangaroos Jack Ziebell to the joeys.

It was a the last stop of a five-day stay for North Melbourne’s JLT match against Melbourne at Kingston’s Twin Ovals last Saturday and the clubs annual Community Camp.

“It’s always good to get home and we love coming out and doing clinics like this with the kids and I think they get a lot out of it too,” Brown said.

“It’s a great opportunity to get out with the kids and see the smiles on their faces.

“I know the rest of the guys love coming to Hobart too.”

Brown remembers when he was a little — make that young — kid attending footy clinics and the boost they gave to his ambitions. Sometimes, he even sees a potential “Ben Brown” in the groups.

“At the Next Generation the other day there were a few 11 and 12-year-olds running around and I think a few of them showed potential, girls and boys,” he said.

“It’s an exciting time for us with our AFLW team coming in next year.

“Footy clinics like today are giving a good opportunity not only for the boys coming through, but also the girls.”

Before leaving town, North Melbourne launched its online program of teaching resources, GOAL. The Tasmanian-based program was designed by teachers for teachers using an innovative and engaging approach.