Brown, taken pick 15 at last year’s draft, was superb in the second half playing at centre half forward. The former Sandringham Dragon, who grew 7cm last year, showed poise, courage and a touch of class to be the spark for his side after half time.
While still raw, and slight at 195cm and 82kg, Brown’s effort suggested he has all the makings of a classy forward.
In front of around 500 fans, the match looked every bit the club’s first hit-out of the season as players struggled with skills and decision making from go to whoa.
Compounding skill errors was the absence of the recently demolished Ross Drew Stand which created a wind tunnel effect at the Doug Wade Stand end.
Chapman and Gary Ablett lifted the standard with quality displays rotating forward and midfield, while usual suspects Cameron Ling, Matthew Scarlett, James Kelly and Andrew Mackie racked up possessions at will.
Young forward Scott Simpson kicked two goals and could have kicked five if not for inaccuracy, while rookie Ranga Ediriwickrama showed pace and poise in close to please the coaching staff.
Gamble kicked three goals to book his berth for next week’s NAB Cup opener against Adelaide, while Travis Varcoe’s good early season form continued with a solid effort off a wing.
The only injury scare came in the third term when Josh Hunt limped from the field and had his left knee taped. He did not return and looked in some discomfort after the match.
Skipper Tom Harley (knee), Steven Motlop (shoulder), rookie Adam Varcoe (knee) and Matthew Egan (knee) did not play, while Tom Hawkins, Cam Mooney, Steve Johnson and David Wojcinski were rested.
