Australian Football

Originally from Essendon Grammar School, Greg Brown worked his way through the ranks at Essendon before making his senior league debut, as a 20-year-old, in 1963. He soon showed that he had all the hallmarks of a top quality defender in that he was strong overhead, a superb kick, and stuck to his opponent like a limpet to a rock. Most of his best football was played as a full back, but he could also perform well on a half back flank, and was even used as a highly effective negating centreman on occasion.

Brown was at full back when the Bombers beat St Kilda in the 1965 Grand Final, and although his direct opponent Verdun Howell managed to kick three goals on him, overall he did well. Runner-up in Essendon's best and fairest award in 1967, Brown's form the following year was adversely affected by injury, and in 1969, his last season at the club, he spent the majority of his time in the reserves. His form at reserves level was exceptional, and he finished runner-up in the 1969 Gardiner Medal, besides winning his club's reserves best and fairest award. At the end of the year, after 83 VFL games and four goals, he crossed to VFA club Waverley, where he played from 1970 until 1972 before retiring. He later became a football commentator on both radio and television.

Author - John Devaney