COLLINGWOOD defender Nathan Brown wants to concentrate on football for the next month rather than worry about his contract.
Comfortable in the knowledge that the last deal he signed was completed after the 2014 season ended, Brown just wants to finish the season off well after beginning poorly.
Part of the Magpies leadership group and returning to the sort of form that earned him his reputation, the 27-year-old restricted free agent is understood to be a required player at Collingwood with talks ongoing.
"This time [two] years ago when I was out of contract as well, I don't think I signed until the very last minute ... so that is still the approach," Brown told AFL.com.au.
"I just want to focus on doing my role for the team and playing out the season strongly."
After battling form, injury and a stint in the VFL this season, the 2010 premiership defender has shown positive signs after returning to the seniors following the bye, almost mirroring the team's fortunes.
He said the break gave him a chance to take a deep breath and return with a simplified approach to the game.
That meant competing one-on-one, which is how he built his reputation, while adding parts to his game to defend different opposition approaches.
"It's about growth, in terms of knowing when to come off [your man] when required and taking marks off opposition kicks," Brown said.
"They are parts of my game that I want to grow going forward in my career and I believe there is still room for that one-on-one contest that I love."
To do that he will need to improve his agility over the off-season while learning to back his marking ability instinctively.
Six marks against West Coast showed the inroads he is making in that area.
Brown said he also took stock during his absence of what was required of a good leader, acknowledging that the starting point was to play well.
"I have got to get it done through actions and in my game first so I can lead strongly," Brown said.
"You have got to be a little bit selfish and look after yourself [so I] can lead and demand strongly of others."
Respected and popular within the club, Brown looked to have formed the backbone of Collingwood's defence in 2010 when he paired up with Ben Reid in the 2010 Grand Finals to restrict the Saints.
The Grand Final replay was just their 16th game together after both were selected inside the top 10 of the 2006 NAB AFL Draft.
Since that flag, the defensive duo has only played together in 51 of a possible 136 games, with their 11 games together in 2016 the biggest tally since 2013 when they played 21 together.
"It's actually been good this season to get that game time with him," Brown said.
"He has been playing great footy."
Nathan Brown and Ben Reid
2008 – 3 games together
2009 – 2
2010 – 11
2011 – 0
2012 – 15
2013 – 21
2014 – 0
2015 – 4
2016 – 11
