FORMER North Melbourne big man Leigh Brown has started training with Collingwood in the hope of reviving his career.

As the majority of the Pies undertake a high-altitude camp in Arizona, the 26-year-old has joined 11 others on the track – including delisted Brisbane Lion Colm Begley.

Brown was himself cut after six seasons and 118 games with the Kangaroos and believes he still has some time left at the elite level.

"I wouldn't be out there training if I didn't think I had something to offer Collingwood," he told Sunday's The Age.

"It has been good to get back out there in a team environment, even though lots of the guys are overseas.

"Collingwood would be an unbelievable club to get to and play for.

"My fingers are crossed, but you have to put your name in the draft and I want to keep playing AFL footy. I'll play anywhere."

Brown, who has shared his career in defence, attack and pinch-hitting as a ruckman, learnt that he was leaving North while holidaying overseas.

He spent most of 2008 in the VFL, playing just nine games for the Roos, but has not been hampered by injuries or post-season surgery.

Selected by Fremantle with the fifth pick in the 1999 national draft and playing 63 games with that club, Brown said he was disappointed but not surprised his time at Arden Street had come to an end.