Callum Brown (footballer, born 2000)

Callum M. Brown (born 15 August 2000) is an Australian rules footballer who plays for the Greater Western Sydney Giants in the Australian Football League (AFL).

For the Scottish historian and author, see Callum Brown (author).
For the Australian rules footballer (born 1998), see Callum Brown (footballer, born 1998).
Callum M. Brown
Brown playing Neafl in 2019
Personal information
Date of birth (2000-07-15) 15 July 2000
Place of birth Luton, England, U.K.
Original team(s) Derry GAA, Northern Ireland
Draft Rookie 2018 national draft
Debut 29 May 2021, Greater Western Sydney vs. Brisbane Lions, at Gabba
Height 188 cm (6 ft 2 in)
Weight 95 kg (209 lb)
Position(s) Forward
Club information
Current club Greater Western Sydney
Number 46
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
2021– Greater Western Sydney 29 (25)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of At the end of 2023.
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Early life

Callum M. Brown was born in Luton, England to English mother Dee and Jamaican father Trevor.[1][2] He grew up playing soccer which he excelled in. At the age of 5 he moved to Limavady in Northern Ireland where he played soccer and rugby union. A friend spotted him playing soccer and encouraged him to try gaelic football.[2][3]

Gaelic Football

Brown first made the Derry GAA underage representative squad at the age of 14.[4] He reached the All-Ireland minor final in 2017 with Derry and played for Derry's Under 20 side in 2018.[5]

Switch to Australian rules football

Brown was identified as an AFL prospect from as early as age 14, when he was coached by former Northern Ireland AFL recruit Chrissy McKaigue.[4] In 2018 Nick Walsh, Jason McCartney and Heath Shaw travelled to Ireland to entice 18 year old Brown to move to Australia to play for the Giants in the AFL, signing him as an international rookie through the 2018 AFL draft.[6]

Brown spent 3 years developing in the club's reserve side in the NEAFL[7] and later the Victorian Football League before a series of consistent performances earned his call up to the senior side in 2021.

AFL career

Brown was selected as a medical sub against the Brisbane Lions at the Brisbane Cricket Ground in round 11 on 29 May 2021, however he wasn't given any game time and was subsequently dropped. It wasn't until round 21 against the Geelong Football Club that he played a full game, kicking a respectable 2 goals from 4 kicks.[8]

As a Category B rookie, Brown spent much of the 2022 season as a medical substitute. With limited opportunities in the way of game time, Brown began to talk about returning to Ireland.[3] However in a Round 16 home game against Hawthorn, Brown, replacing an injured Lachlan Keeffe, kicked a career record 4 goals being named among the best afield.[9][10] He was offered a one-year contract extension in August, 2022.[5]

References
  1. Callum Brown: Limavady lad's racism rethink as he forges Aussie Rules career By Mark Sidebottom for BBC Sport Northern Ireland 22 June 2020
  2. 'My mindset is just to mess my man up - do whatever it takes to show I'm better than him' from the Irish News 26 March 2020]
  3. 'I've had talks about going home to Derry but I still want to show I can dominate in the AFL' from the 42 Ireland 7 August 2022
  4. Brown Eager to Forge Own Path Irishman Callum Brown wants to tread his own path in the AFL. By Owen Leonard 4 October 2021
  5. Former Derry footballer agrees new AFL deal with Greater Western Sydney Giants from the 42 Ireland 12 August 2022
  6. From Limavady to the Gabba By GIANTS Media 28 May 2021
  7. Irish Brown Happy Chasing His AFL Dream By Emma Quayle 7 August 2019]
  8. GWS Player Statistics Callum M Brown
  9. Improving Giants take down Hawks in wet slog By Trent Masenhelder 3 July 2022
  10. Callum Brown boots Giants to AFL win over Hawks from Canberra Weekly 3 July 2022
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