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SEVERAL clubs are considering resurrecting 24-year-old Sandringham forward Mitch Brown's stalled AFL career on the back of his excellent form in the VFL this season.
Brown was selected by Geelong at pick No.15 in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft, but battled with injury in his six years at the Cats.
Capable of playing forward or back, he could only manage 15 games before being delisted at the end of last season.
AFL.com.au understands St Kilda, Essendon and Fremantle have expressed interest in Brown, with recruiters from several clubs keeping a watchful eye on his progress.
After playing his final game for the Cats in the 2014 semi-final, Brown joined St Kilda affiliate Sandringham and has impressed both as a key forward and back in 2015.
Although quiet in the wet against Coburg on Sunday, he has been a regular in Sandringham's best players, kicked 14 goals and has overcome the shoulder problems that hampered his progress at the Cats.
Those shoulder problems became a thing of the past when a protruding screw causing pain to Brown was discovered midway through 2014.
Its removal alleviated the problems he had previously experienced and he can now play free of pain.
In round seven this year, he took 13 marks and gathered 29 disposals playing down back against Werribee and his confidence appears to have returned.
His excellent VFL campaign so far comes after he produced several strong performances in the NAB Challenge as a top-up player with Essendon, which caused Bombers' coach James Hird to identify Brown as a player who should be on an AFL list.
Sandringham coach Paul Hudson has also sung his praises throughout the season.
He would be a promising third tall if he could manage the consistency he shows at VFL level at the higher grade, particularly in a draft that many recruiters say is shallow.
Although a delisted free agent at the end of his career, Brown would need to re-enter the AFL via the draft or rookie draft, making his return to the game slightly more difficult.
Clubs have had success with recycled talls in recent years, with both Hawthorn's Matt Spangher and former Cat James Podsiadly playing in premierships this decade after battling to find a senior spot. Both had played excellent, consistent football in the VFL.
Brown told Sandringham's website last week that he was enjoying this season with the experience freshening him up and renewing his motivation levels.
He made no secret of his desire for another chance to prove he could succeed at AFL level.
"That’s my main aim, to try and get back on an AFL list so I’ll try play consistent footy this year and hopefully get on a list next year," Brown told sandringhamfc.com.au.
