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READ > Nathan Brown wins rising star nominationCollingwood coach Mick Malthouse was thrilled upon learning of Nathan Brown’s AFL Rising Star nomination this week.
Malthouse, writing his exclusive weekly email to Collingwood members, described the young key defender’s efforts so far in 2008 as “remarkable”.
Selected as the club’s second choice in the 2006 draft at number 10 overall, Brown spent the 2007 season developing at VFL level, but since debuting in round one this year, has emerged as a player capable of holding down centre-half back for many years to come.
"It's fantastic for Nathan Brown", Malthouse said.
"When you consider some of the players he’s played on, including Jonathan Brown, Matthew Pavlich and Cameron Mooney, he's had some massive jobs.
"He’s been remarkable, really, for a young man who didn’t play a senior game last year, even though we expected him to come into the side this year.”
Brown, who hails from Ballarat, has certainly caught the coach’s eye with his work ethic and dedication.
“The beauty of Browny is that he’s got terrific stamina, and he really does absorb all the information that the coaches give him,” Malthouse added.
“As a backline player you must do that because you’ve got to acknowledge your opponent more than anything else, and he stays within the guidelines of our game plan, which is terrific.”
In 2007 Collingwood had three young players nominated for the rising star award in Scott Pendlebury, Martin Clarke and Tyson Goldsack, with Pendlebury finishing a close second to Geelong’s Joel Selwood. Brown is the first Magpie to receive a nomination in 2008.
Any Collingwood member not currently receiving Mick’s weekly email ‘Mick’s message’ but would like to, please send your email address, along with your name and membership number, to membership@collingwoodfc.com.au.
