On Saturday night Leigh Brown will run out for his 50th game for the Magpies and will become the second player in history, after Glenn Coleman (Fitzroy, Sydney and Western Bulldogs), to play 50 games with three clubs. The 29-year-old has played 63 matches with Fremantle and 118 games with North Melbourne.
Brown returns to the side after missing the last two weeks with a calf injury.
Collingwoodfc.com.au caught up with the 29-year-old after training on Friday to discuss the milestone.
Jonathon Bernard (Collingwoodfc.com.au) Was this milestone on your radar
Leigh Brown: I didn’t know about it to be honest. Until Perty (CEO Gary Pert) mentioned it to me the other week.
JB: What’s the biggest difference in your 50 games for Collingwood compared to Fremantle and North Melbourne
LB: My footy has been a lot more consistent over my last fifty games and I have been able to play a role, week in and week out. Sure there have been a few flat ones. But the key thing is I have been able to help the team out each week, which is the pleasing thing.
I think that also comes down to what the coaches expected from me when I arrived. They have defined my role to my strengths.
JB: Do you consider yourself a journeyman
LB: I guess you have to when you play at three clubs. It’s an interesting one. You just want to play at the highest level you can. A journeyman is how everyone describes it but to me its more about having a new opportunity and playing at the best level you can.
JB: Were there times when the opportunity to play another 50 games was looking grim
LB: Absolutely. When I got delisted by North Melbourne I thought it was over and I have been grateful for the opportunity I have here at Collingwood. I couldn’t have dreamed of anything better.
JB: Who was the biggest factor at the club to get you to this milestone
LB: Mick (Malthouse) from the start and Geoff Walsh (general manager of football). Sitting down with those two guys and having an open and frank discussion at the start of the year. Also, the assistant coaches have played a vital part to my success here. Paul Hudson (former assistant coach), Nathan Buckley and Matthew Lappin have all been instrumental.
JB: How is the calf
LB: The calf is feeling really good. I haven’t had any issues with it this week and the body is feeling fresh after two weeks off. I am in a good place heading into the second half of the year.
JB: What can we expect from you on Saturday night
LB: I don’t think much will change with my role that has gotten me to 50 games for the Pies. I will rotate between forward and help out Woody in the ruck.
JB: Do you have another 50 left in you
LB: Let me get through Saturday night first.
