Ben Brown

Hailing from Hobart, Ben Brown entered the AFL as a mature-age recruit via Werribee in the VFL, selected by North Melbourne with pick 47 in the 2013 National Draft. He quickly established himself as the Kangaroos' focal point, becoming renowned for his elite aerobic capacity, reliable hands, and a distinctively long run-up that became his trademark. Between 2017 and 2019, Brown was arguably the most consistent full-forward in the competition, booting over 60 goals in three consecutive seasons and finishing runner-up in the Coleman Medal. Despite this dominance, a difficult 2020 season combined with North Melbourne's aggressive list rebuild saw him surprisingly put on the trade table, resulting in a move to Melbourne.

Brown arrived at the Demons carrying a knee injury but timed his recovery perfectly to become the final piece in Melbourne's forward structure during their drought-breaking 2021 premiership campaign. His ability to provide a contest and convert set shots proved pivotal in the finals series, including a three-goal haul in the Grand Final victory over the Western Bulldogs. While chronic knee issues limited his continuity and output during his final three seasons, eventually leading to his retirement at the conclusion of 2024, Brown departed the game as a premiership player and a cult figure beloved for his unique routine and genuine sportsmanship.