Tag: NAB League Boys

Brand to feature in Futures match

Calder Cannons Under 18 boys player Cody Brand has been selected to play in this year’s NAB AFL All Stars Futures match.

The AFL today announced the squads for the match which is to be played at the MCG as a curtain-raiser to the 2019 AFL grand final on Saturday, September 28 at 10:00am.

The two teams, filled with the nation’s best under-17 talent, have been named after former AFL champions Jonathan Brown (ex-Brisbane) and Nick Dal Santo (ex-St Kilda).

Twenty-three NAB League Boys players will participate in the match, with Brand the only Cannons selected.

The 17-year-old has played eight NAB League matches this season, including last week’s Wildcard Round fixture against Tasmania, and is averaging 8.4 disposals and two marks per game.

Brand, a 195cm utility, will line up for the Cannons in this Sunday’s elimination final against Dandenong.

NAB AFL Academy Head Coach Luke Power will coach Team Brown, while Team Dal Santo will be coached by Vic Country Under-18 coach Leigh Brown.

Brand will feature in Team Dal Santo.

AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan said the match will give AFL club recruiting personnel and fans a chance to see the future stars of the game go head-to-head on the biggest day in the AFL calendar.

“All players named in the 2019 NAB AFL All Stars Futures match will be eligible for the 2020 NAB AFL Draft,” Sheehan told nableague.com.au.

“With trading of future selections now part of the NAB AFL Draft landscape, this game becomes essential viewing for clubs and will be a great spectacle for fans.

“Many of the players selected have been prominent in this year’s NAB AFL Under 18 Championships as bottom-aged players … and we look forward to watching their progression.

“We are pleased to have the support of two champions of the game in Jonathan Brown and Nick Dal Santo – the players in their teams will have a memorable experience.”

Cannons survive wildcard thriller

Written by Jarryd Barca

Come-from-behind win seals Cannons’ finals berth

They did it the hard way, but Calder has secured its position in the NAB League finals with a heart-stopping six-point win over Tasmania during Wildcard Round.

The Cannons suffered an after-the-siren loss against the ladder-leading Ranges last weekend.

But in a change of fortuity, this time they ran over the top of the Devils who were looking to take a scalp and enter the finals proper from 13th position.

Tasmania held a five-point three-quarter time advantage which had Calder staring down the barrel of a second-successive Wildcard Round defeat, having been pipped by the Geelong Falcons in 2018.

And with their season on the line, the desperate Cannons booted the opening three goals of the final quarter to record the 9.9 (63) to 7.15 (57) victory and keep their season alive.

Assistant coach Chris Nolan said he was pleased with the boys’ efforts to rally behind each other and edge past the Devils.

“It probably started in the middle,” he said.

“Hotch (ruckman Josh Hotchkin) was enormous for us today. We got first use, the ball started going forward a bit more consistently than it had all day and we probably made the most of some more opportunities.”

Tasmania continued to threat in the last term and put Cannons defenders under pressure with a 17 inside 50 effort, compared to Calder’s 11.

But many stood tall for their teammates when the going got tough.

“I thought our defence was really good, especially late,” Nolan said.

“Keeps (Jack Keeping) was phenomenal on a wing in the last quarter and admittedly he’d been down to that point, so to keep his head up, stay positive and have an impact says a bit about Jack and how far his footy’s come.

“The skipper was good as always – just read the flight of the ball and him and Cody Brand were both exceptional late in defence.”

No strangers to a nail-biter, the past three Cannons matches have all finished with an accumulative margin of just 14 points.

Their ability to respond when challenged and overcome adversity is a trait the Nolan believes will hold them in good stead this finals series.

“I think there’s a real connection in the group. We seem a lot more united now than we did after say four rounds, we know each other’s strengths and we have a great trust in each other,” he said.

“We’ve got every faith that the group can still go for a few weeks yet, providing they play their best football.”

Sam Ramsay was yet again the most prolific in the engine room, amassing 33 disposals and 11 marks at Highgate Recreation Reserve.

Midfield counterpart Harry Minton-Connell (19 touches) played a pivotal role – with the first two goals of the last quarter both coming off his boot.

But the road blocks for Tasmania were Campbell Edwardes and Lachlan Gollant, who both combined for an impressive – and equally crucial – 19 marks.

Nolan said it was cleaner ball movement moving forward in the final stanza that enabled the Cannons to make the most of their slim opportunities.

“Having only gone inside 50 12 times in a half, a little bit more hand ball receive – which we seemed to get through Simpson and the like, Curtis Brown off half back – was the key,” he said.

“They dictated us a lot with their pressure and tackling in the first half and we really let them off. But we were a lot more cautious with the footy in the second half.

“We were able to get it on our terms at the right times to hold on.”

Calder will take on the eighth-placed Dandenong Stingrays in an elimination final this Sunday at Ikon Park.

The two sides previously met back in Round 13 where the Cannons showed no mercy in a 68-point drubbing at Highgate Recreation Reserve.

Cannons go down after siren

Written by Jarryd Barca

Stolen at the death

The Calder Cannons’ fifth consecutive win was snatched at the jaws of defeat in the final game of the NAB League home-and-away season.

Going into Round 17 with a four-game winning streak, Calder flexed its finals credentials against the top-of-the-table Eastern Ranges – despite losing with the last kick of the game.

The Cannons were five-point leaders at the last change of ends, with that lead extended to 12 when Jeremy O’Sullivan capitalised after 10 minutes.

The Ranges booted two in under a minute to lock the scores at 55 apiece as Avalon Airport Oval was treated to a grandstand finish.

Mason Fletcher was able to edge the home side’s noses in front again with a long-range launch from outside the arch.

The Cannons peppered the inside 50s in the dying stages and had chances to seal the game, but only managed two behinds.

And in heartbreaking circumstances, the Ranges surged the ball forward one last time and locked away a four-point win on the final buzzer.

Assistant coach Brett Gourley was impressed with the players’ ability to take it right up to the minor premiers.

“When you lose any game with a kick after the siren it’s obviously pretty disappointing, but to do what we did against the best team in the competition is a real credit to the boys,” he said.

Calder finished fifth on the ladder following the 9.9 (63) to 10.7 (67) result, winning a total of nine matches for the season.

And they should be taking ample confidence into this week’s Wildcard Round fixture against the Tasmania Devils having registered wins in six of their last seven matches.

“They’ve played some really good footy and we’re starting to gel as a team at the right time of the year,” Gourley said.

“I think it’s a really even competition – anything’s possible and on any day.

“The way this competition works, any team can beat any team.

“We’re really confident heading into this finals campaign and I think the boys should be too.”

Sam Ramsay closed out his home-and-away season with another best-afield 27 touches, seven tackles and five inside 50s.

Midfield counterpart Daniel Mott was also prominent with 21 touches, 10 clearances and six inside 50s, while Jake Sutton (three goals) was the most dangerous of the forwards.

Gourley said the side has come a long way since losing the opening game of the season against Sandringham by 109 points.

“We were having a look at our stats throughout the course of the week to clearly see that this team has improved a hell of a lot,” he said.

“We’re really pleased with our progress – we just have to take that into finals.”

Head coach Ross Smith was as equally proud, optimistic of the Cannons’ ability to compete against the best.

“Eastern’s strength is their clearance numbers, contested ball, tackling and we matched them in all departments,” he told heraldsun.com.au.

“We’re really buoyed by the way we played … we’ve got to learn from the experience, we’ve got to be disappointed but positive and use it to drive us.”

Cannons sneak past Rebels in thriller

Written by Jarryd Barca

We’re very proud of the kids. They were phenomenal.

– Assistant Coach Chris Nolan.

The Calder Cannons find themselves equal-second on the NAB League ladder after scraping past the GWV Rebels in Round 15.

The home side was able to keep the Cannons at arms length for most of the day and even drew the lead out to 23 points nearing stoppage time in the third term.

But in a show of pure resilience, Calder was able to kick five of the last six goals of the match to pip the Rebels and secure its fourth win in a row.

The Rebels recorded 70 more disposals over the four quarters and held the ascendancy in most key areas.

But despite never really controlling the game, Cannons assistant coach Chris Nolan said it was one of their proudest wins of the season.

“We’re very proud of the kids. They were phenomenal,” he said post game.

“It was pretty frustrating to be truthful, it just felt like we were moments away but just couldn’t control the game.

“They were pretty good. Our pressure was good enough, our execution forward of centre probably not.

“We could’ve certainly had things in control a lot earlier but to pull it off with 10 minutes to go – you’ll take it.”

Midfielder Sam Ramsay led from the front in another eye-catching performance, picking up 33 disposals, 12 tackles, seven inside 50s and five clearances in the win.

Ned Gentile was also influential with 21 disposals and five tackles, but it was his ability to step up when it mattered most with three important goals that came to the fore.

Nineteen-year-old Mason Fletcher booted 3.3 and took five marks as the side’s focal point in the forward 50.

But the collective effort of the group to stand tall and not give in despite things not going their way was the overriding factor in the result.

Nolan gave praise to his many standouts.

“Sam Ramsay is going as good as I’ve seen a block of form since I’ve been at the club,” he said.

“To be able to go from an outside running type defender-wingman to what he’s doing on the inside now as a midfielder – win his own ball – has been great.

“Jackson Cardillo has been an outstanding bottom-ager all year, his ability o compete, win his own ball and apply pressure, he was really good.

“Josh Eyre – I wouldn’t say a breakout game but he’s not far away, he was composed, he took some great, really important marks deep and used it by foot beautifully at pressured times.

“Harrison Andronaco as a 15-16 year-old … he was actually a real barometer. Him and Flynn Gentile as kids to do what they did today, they just give an injection of not just enthusiasm but they actually bring a bit of pace that we lack.”

“And ‘Fletch’ – Mason’s had seven shots at goal today, once he works or gets his head around the understanding of the actual forward role as such and the actual work load required like getting up and down and working sideways – there’s a few tricks there within the boy.”

Nolan said the composure shown by the leaders of the group and making the right decisions at the right times – such as winning the ball back at crucial times and knowing when to cause stoppage or restart – was “really important”.

“I think this win will do wonders for their confidence even for what’s left of our season,” he said.

“The emotion when they sung the song and to see the boys united, even with the four or five 15-16 year olds today, the group – they sensed that it was such a hard-fought win and they were spent.

“Just to see the joy it brought them, sometimes you do have to work hard and do it ugly but they actually got a really good reward today and I think when the dust settles they’ll realise the significance of what they’ve achieved.”

The Cannons will lap up another bye week before returning for their final home-and-away match of the season against the Eastern Ranges at Avalon Airport Oval on August 17.

Red-hot Cannons show Stingrays no mercy

Written by Jarryd Barca

The Calder Cannons head into this week’s Development Weekend with two wins in a row after crushing the Dandenong Stingrays by 68 points in Round 13.

Calder soared to a 45-point lead at half time after booting seven of the first nine goals of the clash at Highgate Recreation Reserve, before showing the Stingrays no mercy in a seven-goal final quarter onslaught. 

The Cannons were coming off a spirited 22-point win over highway rivals Western Jets last week in Futures Round and backed it up with a similar-looking youthful outfit – electing not to play Vic Metro trio Daniel Mott, Harry Jones and Brodie Newman. 

The win sees the Cannons leap frog the Stingrays into 6th spot on the NAB League ladder. 

Midfielder Sam Ramsay was again the most prolific player on the ground finding the ball on 32 occasions, while Jackson Cardillo (27 and a goal) and Ned Gentile (23 and two) continued their season-long form. 

Running defenders Curtis Brown and Max Simpson provided plenty of drive off the half-back line and had critical synergy with teammates ahead of the ball.    

Jake Sutton (17 touches, nine marks and two goals) also played his best game for the club. 

Winning every critical stat on the day including disposals (+85) and marks (+34), Calder’s arial prowess shone above all recording 19 for the entire contest – its most in a single game this season.

Talls Mason Fletcher (four goals and six marks) and Jeremy O’Sullivan (two and five) showed that in spades.

Sam Paea in his second game also provided a strong target up forward.

“We had a real emphasis pre-game on contested ball and our pressure around the football and it was terrific for the boys to respond to Ross and the coaches’ messages around these focus areas needing to improve,” Football Operations and Admin Coordinator Matthew Burton said. 

“We’re still having lapses at the half time break where we seem to take our foot off the gas a little bit, but the way we started the game and then how we responded after three-quarter time to run out the game really strong was some of the best team football we’ve played all year.

“Two wins in a row with a majority of inexperienced players having played over the past two weeks has been fantastic for the group.

“A good problem to have is when selection becomes really difficult with so many players putting their hand up for selection. 

“Our midfielders set the tone on the weekend with Jackson Cardillo playing his best game for the club.

“Sam Ramsay having a change of role this year and becoming more of an inside midfielder has been fantastic.

“Nathan Stewart joining our squad late once the season had started has provided another midfield option for us and has held his own.  

“Once again Ned Gentile gave us four quarters of effort. 

“It’s one of those weeks where we could honestly mention every player that played. Every player contributed on the weekend which was very pleasing.”

The Cannons will enjoy another week off before making the trek down to Queen Elizabeth Oval to take on the Bendigo Pioneers in an attempt for three consecutive wins.

Youngsters will be “better for the run”: Gourley

Written by Jarryd Barca

Calder Cannons caretaker coach Brett Gourley believes a key focus going into the side’s Round 12 match against the Western Jets was to expose the club’s youth to a higher level of football.

The Cannons turned to their future by blooding 13 bottom-age players along with four debutants at Highgate Recreation Reserve on Sunday.

The several young players created plenty of spark throughout the match and showed no signs of nerves playing amongst older, draft-eligible talent. 

With a vastly different looking Cannons outfit to previous weeks this season, Gourley was adamant when asked about the focus going into the match against the arch rival.

“To give them an experience of playing at this level of footy,” he said post game. 

“So four first-gamers and three of those were 16 year olds – we were really pleased with the effort from all of them and I think they’re going to be better for the run.”

The Cannons broke away late in a scrappy contest where both sides seemed to have a case of the goal-kicking yips. 

The scores were locked at 1.7 to 0.4 at half time before the home side experienced a drastic change of fortunes, booting five goals straight in the second half to claim bragging rights. 

Gourley said he was pleased with the leadership shown by the more experienced players who led from the front foot. 

“Even though our captain Brodie (Newman) wasn’t here, we had a real emphasis on making sure that we had someone else step up or a lot of those 18 year olds, even Mason (Fletcher) a 19-year-old, just to make sure that they help the younger boys out in terms of how to play the game and just give them a real confidence boost,” he said.

“I thought Rama (Sam Ramsay) was outstanding in the middle today – gave us a bit of pace through there. 

“Ned’s (Gentile) ever-reliable self and Minty (stand-in captain Harrison Minton-Connell) was really good as well.

“Mason moving forward definitely helped us, kicking a couple of goals in a low-scoring game was outstanding.”

But where was the game won?

“The effort and intensity in the last quarter I thought was great,” Gourley explained. 

“We sort of let ourselves down a little bit in the third (quarter) but the way we responded in the last quarter was just outstanding.” 

Young Cannons too good for Jets

Written by Jarryd Barca

The Calder Cannons have retained the Shane Sexton McDonald’s Cup after a hard-fought 22-point win over the Western Jets in Round 12 of the NAB League season.

It was a scrappy affair at Highgate Recreation Reserve as no side registered a goal until the second term, with Calder holding on for a retentive 6.7 (43) to 2.9 (21) triumph. 

Despite the inaccuracy which plagued both teams, the home side booted five goals straight in the second half to run away with their sixth win of the season coming off a two-week break.

The ‘futures’ fixture required clubs to select at least 11 players who are currently in their 16th or 17th year, with team line-ups allowed to consist of up to 24 players. 

The Cannons fielded 13 bottom-age players who all showed signs of things to come. 

Sam Ramsay (31 disposals and eight tackles) was a clear standout through the middle of the ground, while fellow top-agers Curtis Brown (29 disposals) and stand-in captain Harrison Minton-Connell (27) were also prolific. 

Giacomo Thomas, Ben Overman, Cody Brand and Josh Hotchkin were the others to be named in the best players.

The Cannons also fielded brothers Ned and Flynn Gentile – the latter one of four debutants to take the field in the rivalry clash.  

The first quarter proved to be an eyesore with both sides registering a total of just seven behinds in gusty conditions. 

It took until the 19-minute mark of the second term before a goal was registered, with debutant Sam Paea snapping truly from the boundary line to break the deadlock. 

Calder’s nine-point half time advantage was short-lived as the Jets found a reply through Eddie Ford early in the third term.

And as it seemed the Cannons would be counting the cost of their missed opportunities early, back-to-back majors to Nathan Stewart and Mason Fletcher meant the margin was back out to 11 points at the final break.

Saad El-Hawli’s goal in just over a minute into the final stanza drew the Jets to within five points of the lead. 

But the hungry Cannons – in a show of resilience – never backed down or dropped their heads.

The Cannons flexed their muscles in the final stages of the contest with both Jackson Cardillo and Fletcher again capitalising on goal-scoring opportunities.

But the final major to 16-year-old Flynn Gentile – a classy finish on his opposite side – meant it was the sweetest of endings for a young Cannons outfit. 

Calder will look to carry the momentum into this Saturday’s contest against the Dandenong Stingrays at Highgate Recreation Reserve.

Cannons win ugly against Knights 

Calder Cannons continue rise up ladder after holding off Northern Knights 

Written by Jarryd Barca 

The Calder Cannons Under 18 boys improved their 2019 record to 5-4 after keeping the Northern Knights at bay on Saturday afternoon.

The Round 9 contest was originally meant for Highgate Recreation Reserve, before a late venue change saw the two sides do battle on a wet Preston City Oval.

The 10.5 (65) to 8.8 (56) result puts Calder seventh on the ladder leading into this week’s match against the highly-fancied Oakleigh Chargers. 

Midfielders Ned Gentile (21 disposals and five inside 50s) and Zach Molloy (20 and seven tackles) were both instrumental in a contested game, while Max Simpson and Curtis Brown created plenty of drive off the half-back flank.

Football Operations Manager Matthew Burton said many players stood up in the absence of Vic Metro trio Brodie Newman, Daniel Mott and Harrison Jones. 

“With our metro and PEGS kids unavailable, it’s given some others an opportunity at the level and it’s a real positive when you play four first-gamers and they’re all able to play their part,” he said.

“At this stage of the year it gives other kids an opportunity to stand up and perform when we have some of our better players absent. 

“The week also provides an opportunity not only for players but with Ross (head coach Ross Smith) with Vic Metro commitments it gives an opportunity for our aspiring assistant coaches to step up and enjoy the pressures of coaching,” he added.

“It was a pretty scrappy game but you always enjoy it when your side wins ugly.”

Both sides exchanged goals in the opening term and it was Cannons tall Jeremy O’Sullivan who took the game by the scruff of the neck early with three first-quarter majors.

With scores locked at 3.1 apiece and in a game where scoring was difficult, it was the Cannons who proved more efficient in the second quarter booting four goals to one to open up what proved to be a match-winning lead. 

A major highlight of the quarter was debutant Josh Eyre slotting a 45-metre snap on the run to finish off a great end-to-end team effort.  

With a 17-point half time lead in Calder’s advantage, the Knights were able to wrestle back control in the third quarter to reduce the deficit to 10 points and ensure a nail-biting finish. 

Simpson and Jackson Cardillo’s final-quarter majors within a minute of each other drew the margin out to 22 points.

But two late goals to the Knights meant the final margin was pegged back to nine points at the final siren. 

The Cannons finished the game with 25 less disposals and three less inside 50s than their opponents despite keeping their winning record in tact with another victory. 

“Even though Northern led many of the stats – they beat us in every KPI we set – we were still able to win the game which was very pleasing,” Burton said. 

“We identified that Northern are a very contested side and they showcased that early on.

“After quarter time we were able to match that through our contested ball and competitiveness. 

“In every game there are always areas we identify we need to work on and we look forward to another great week on the track and having our second crack at Oakleigh for the year.” 

Power prove too strong for Cannons

Another slow start and goalless first quarter has hurt the Calder Cannons in Round 7, this time falling to the Gippsland Power by 51 points at Morwell Recreation Reserve.

Coming off two consecutive wins for the first time this season, Calder was looking to continue the momentum and climb up the NAB League ladder.

But Gippsland had other ideas and instead inflicted the Cannons’ fourth loss of the season with a 12.12 (84) to 4.9 (33) result.  

Inside midfielder Jacob Martin continued his strong form with another impressive performance, racking up 33 disposals and 10 clearances. 

Daniel Mott and Brodie Newman (25 and 22 touches respectively) were the other prolific ball-winners on the day. 

Fergus O’Neill’s 15 disposals and four tackles also stood out, while Jackson Cardillo and Kyle Baker shared the tackling spoils with five apiece. 

It was the third time in four weeks the Cannons were held goalless in the opening quarter. 

Despite having just one less scoring shot for the quarter, Calder found themselves stranded 16 points behind their more clinical opponents at the first break.

The momentum then shifted in the second term as Curtis Brown, who spent much of the day forward, sailed through the away team’s only goal of the half.

Gippsland’s three behinds meant the margin was 11 points at half time. 

The Cannons were much more competitive to start the second half but were for the most part out-bullied, the Power finding a way to kick seven of the term’s eight goals to open up a match-winning 47-point buffer in the blink of an eye.

It was two goals apiece in the final stanza but the damage had been done in windy conditions. 

The Cannons have now shifted their focus towards this Saturday’s Round 8 clash against the Murray Bushrangers in Wangaratta. 

The Bushrangers are currently 14th on the NAB League ladder with a 2-4 record but have a higher percentage (96.9) than the 3-4 Cannons. 

Goal Kickers: J. Cardillo, C. Brown, J. Hotchkin, J. Kemp

Best Players: J. Martin, D. Mott, N. Gentile, F. O’Neill, J. Hotchkin, C. Brown 

Brown grasping at elite opportunity

From the Eagles to the Cannons: Curtis Brown’s journey continues

Written by Jarryd Barca 

This time last year Curtis Brown was playing his final season of junior footy with the Macleod Eagles, dominating his way to a Yarra Junior Football League (YJFL) best and fairest award.    

Now aligned with North Heidelberg in the Northern Football Netball League, it wasn’t until very late in the piece in 2018 when he found himself in the Calder Cannons program. 

He played a handful of late games but never really found his feet. 

Four weeks ago Brown pulled on a Vic Metro jumper to take on Vic Country in one of two Under 18 trial academy games played at Ikon Park.  

In a click of the fingers, the 18-year-old is now vying for a spot in the final squad to play in June’s National Championships.  

“It was a great experience and an absolute honour to pull on the jumper,” Brown said. 

“Just to think where I was at this time last year … I was playing local footy and school footy, and now to be able to represent Vic Metro is an absolute honour.

“I found the game was a bit quicker, but I held my own.” 

The Marcellin College graduate has enjoyed a first-rate start to the 2019 NAB League season, averaging 18.4 disposals and four rebound 50s per game.  

“Curtis came into the program a bit later last year as a 17-year-old … but this year he’s really been pivotal for us for our drive off half back,” assistant coach Brad Murphy said.

“His speed and decision making are really, really good.

“He’s the self-proclaimed best kick in the club but he sort of backs it up, his skills are very good on his left side and he’s got that good balance between defence and attack.

“He’s a very good player and in the Vic Metro side as well at the moment so that’s a real feather in his cap and hopefully he can make the final squad and continue to play well for us.”

Without Year 12 commitments holding him back, the classy left-footer spends two days a week landscaping and finds himself either in the boxing gym or undertaking pilates. 

He even almost made it as a barista.

“I did VCAL last year and that was our project, to become a barista,” Brown explained.

“We had our own little shop in the school, went to go get a barista license and all that, so (I’m) a little bit of a barista.” 

But would he pursue it further?

“I was about to, then I just put it on hold for a bit. I’ll crack under pressure when I try to make coffee! I don’t really want to make coffee to be honest,” Brown conceded.

The Macleod junior life member started playing at the club when he was six years old and went on to represent the Eagles for more than 200 games. 

His speed and decision making are really, really good.

Brown said his switch to North Heidelberg as he exited his junior career was due to his bloodlines at the Bulldogs.

“Well I had basically been there my whole life, dad’s just always been there,” he said.

“I used to always watch them when I was younger so I’ve sort of just grown up in the environment of North Heidelberg.

“I thought I’d just keep on the family thing and head there, my uncle played there (and) dad played a few games. 

“I don’t think he was that crash hot though actually,” he added with a smirk.

“I think he should’ve stuck with the music which is a good thing I think.”   

Brown’s father Russell – better known as Rusty – is a well-known and well-credentialed musician who plays in Melbourne-based hard rock band Electric Mary. 

“Every time he gets up on the stage I get a bit of a chill, I get a bit nervous,” Curtis said.

“But then when he comes up and you see all these people cheering him – they’re here for your dad – it’s something special.”  

Brown might be a good kick of the footy, but even he thinks he’s a “shocking singer”. 

“I try to think I am (a musician) but I can’t sing, if I could sing I’d probably be alright,” he conceded. 

“I played a bit of guitar, I started on the drums (and) was pretty good, but shocking singer.” 

Playing pure midfield throughout his young career like most in the NAB League, Brown’s shift to the half-back flank has seen him take a keen interest in AFL defenders whose attributes he can emulate.  

“Someone like a Tom Langdon from the Pies or Jack Crisp,” he singled out.

“Just the way Jack Crisp dashes off the half-back flank but then also gets back and takes the intercept mark.

“Same as Tom Langdon, his grand final game last year – you couldn’t get much better than that – the way he was able to intercept mark and get the play going was something that stood out.” 

While there might be a long way to go until he cements himself into a world where his revered Langdon and Crisp are current occupants, Curtis Brown’s path leads to a no doubt exciting destination.

Hear the full interview with Curtis on our Cannons Uncovered podcast below.