Tasmanian ace Brooke Brown to make AFLW debut against Pies

Brooke Brown to become the latest Tasmanian to make AFLW debut for North Melbourne in a bluckbuster against Collingwood

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LAUNCESTON premiership player Brooke Brown can hardly believe she will make her AFLW debut for the Tasmanian North Melbourne Kangaroos in a blockbuster against Collingwood at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.

Less than year after playing as a shooting guard for the Launceston Tornadoes, and two months after winning a TSLW flag with the Blues, the 23-year-old centre half-back has been targeted to play a key role up forward for the Kangaroos.

“I’m super-excited, and a little bit nervous, but more excitement than anything,” Brown said.

“I’ve done the work and the team has prepared well, so I’m keen to run out with the girls and get a win.”

The former athlete, touch rugby player and basketballer will grab this opportunity with both hands.

“It’s kind of crazy to think this time last year I wasn’t even playing football,” Brown said.

“I was still playing basketball, so a lot has changed in the past 12 months.

“It is pretty unreal to be where I am now but I’m super-grateful and excited for the opportunity.”

North Melbourne fell agonizingly short of a win against Melbourne.

Brown has been promoted to add firepower in attack.

“I’m very humbled with the whole experience but to join the great players in our forward line is pretty unreal,” she said.

North Melbourne was impressed with her athleticism and ability to play key roles back and forward as well as ruck.

Brown was taken at pick 49 in the AFLW Draft in October and moved to Melbourne in November and works as a Yarra Valley Water reading meters.

“North Melbourne is so professional and you get so much out of it, and everyone is great. The only way to describe it is one big family.”