Browne is a 205cm ruckman from Mansfield in country Victoria who came to the Tigers as a project player, but has taken just the last two NAB Challenge games to set himself up for the debut of a lifetime.
The Tigers kick the season off against Carlton on Thursday night in a sell-out at the MCG.
The teenager said he was amazed to find himself playing in round one.
“Terry (coach Terry Wallace) mentioned it, but the first time I really knew for sure was when Terry announced it to the group at training,” he told richmondfc.com.au.
“I was pretty excited, but it all happened pretty suddenly, so it took a while for it to sink in.
“Everyone was pretty happy and was congratulating me.
“I thought I’d better ring mum first – I gave her a call after training, and she was more excited than me.”
Browne said his elevation and selection came as a shock.
“I said to some of the coaches that I wasn’t even expecting to play NAB Cup three or four weeks ago, so to have been elevated and to actually be playing round one with the seniors is just incredible.
“I’ve learned so much just in the few months I’ve been here, from people like (assistant coaches) Wayne Campbell and Jade Rawlings, and also from Terry about being competitive and always giving it a good crack.
“I’ve also been working with (senior ruckman) Troy Simmonds – he’s been really good.
“He gave me a few pointers when I first came down to the club and I still work with him every training session.
“Being able to work with someone that you grew up watching is really beneficial.”
While Browne – after just one pre-season in the AFL system – has had some questions hanging over his fitness, his determination and willingness to put his body on the line cannot be doubted.
“We’ve been really pleased with Browny’s progress over the pre-season,” director of coaching Brian Royal told richmondfc.com.au.
“His form in his last two NAB Challenge practice games has been remarkable.
“We couldn’t have been any happier with Browny – his body shape has improved over the short period of time he’s been here. He’s a good young ruckman.”
Dream Team watch – Andrew Browne is rated a $75,300 ruckman in Toyota AFL Dream Team 2009.
