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”I want to become a player who can light the game up” - Callum Brown on why he still has a lot to learn in AFL

Derry star determined to make his mark in possible showdown with Conor McKenna in ANZAC Day fixtures

Despite missing out on a place in the Grand Final, Limavady man Callum Brown has established himself as a mainstay of the GWS Giants this season in the AFL
Callum Brown has been in career best form for high-flying Greater Western Giants this season in the AFL
By Ahmer Khokhar

On the day that the biggest round of the AFL’s home and away season kicks off to commemorate the sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand soldiers (ANZACS) in war, Callum Brown is determined to leave his mark on the marquee fixture.

The former Derry underage footballer has been in career best form for high-flying Greater Western Giants who were unbeaten in top spot after the first five rounds of the season until they lost to Carlton in round six last week.

Brown, who kicked a bag of five goals to earn best on ground accolades as well as new high end television set when GWS defeated Collingwood in the opening round of the season last month, is a rising star of the competition but he is far from satisfied.

By his own admission his form has dipped in the past fortnight, but the Limavady Wolfhounds man has wasted no time in challenging himself to come good against the Brisbane Lions when an epic Cross-Sperrins contest against Tyrone Sam Maguire winner Conor McKenna could eventuate.

“I’m still trying to learn my forward craft never mind the positioning of where I’m playing,” Brown explained.

“I go through vision every single day with coaches or players.

“I want to become a player who can light the game up. Toby (Giants skipper Toby Greene) does it every single game, he always kicks some amazing goal and I want to be that kind of player who does that and give a name for myself.”

Brown believes GWS can get back to winning ways against the struggling Lions who this season have been a pale imitation of the team who lost last year’s Grand Final thriller to Collingwood.

“I may have dropped a bit of form so I want to lift this week because it’s one of the best games to do it,” Brown said.

“We want to play our game and our system.

“If we do that, I don’t think they’ll be able to keep up with us like every team this year.

“If we can knock off one of the top teams in the competition then I think most teams will be scared to come up against us.”

Brown (23) is a long way off retirement but a career as a hairdresser could be an option when he does eventually hang up his boots.

The Luton-born forward has established himself as the Giants resident barber this year.

“I’ve gotten into the haircutting business and it’s good for me because I get a bit of a chat and love for everyone,” Brown said.

Conor McKenna played his first AFL Grand Final on Saturday
Conor McKenna came through a reserve team fixtures against Geelong unscathed at the weekend and is in line to feature for Brisbane Lions against GWS Giants on Thursday

“The boys can come around to my house after training or on days off.

“On trips, I always bring the clippers as well.”

Meanwhile, Brisbane coach Chris Fagan has confirmed that McKenna is “in the mix” to return against GWS.

The Eglish footballer has only played in one senior AFL game this year due to a troublesome pre-season hamstring injury.

But McKenna came through a reserve’s fixtures against Geelong unscathed at the weekend and is pushing for a return to resurrect the Lions fading finals hopes.