Wakelin an inspiration for Brown

COLLINGWOOD recruit Leigh Brown was quick to point out how well recently-retired defender Shane Wakelin had served his club during eight years in the black and white.

But one couldn’t help thinking that Brown, thrown a lifeline by the Pies when drafted with pick 73 in Saturday’s draft, must be hoping to prolong his career in a similar vein.

If he can do so, the mind boggles at the thought of how many matches this immensely experienced 26-year-old might now play, given the similar stages at which he and Wakelin joined Collingwood.

The question will be whether Brown, now at his third AFL club, can make a go of it.

The Magpies have made no secret of the fact that the 181-gamer might be able to help plug a hole in defence. That is a challenge Brown is looking forward to.

And he admitted he might sound out the recently-retired Wakelin for advice on how he went about resurrecting his career once crossing from the Saints.

“Wakes was pretty much in the same situation when he came down here; similar age, similar sort of experience,” Brown said from the Lexus Centre on Wednesday.

“It’s a good opportunity to sit down with him at some stage and talk it through.

“He’s a true champion of this club, he did a lot of great things at the Collingwood football club and if I could do half as much as he did it’d be fantastic.”

Wakelin was 26 when he joined the Pies and went on to play another 158 games before retiring this year after eight seasons at Collingwood.

Brown, who will turn 27 in February, was axed by North Melbourne after playing just nine matches this year.

But after training with the Magpies in the lead-up to draft day – and then having his wish granted with the Pies calling out his name – he is determined to prove doubters wrong.

“I feel young and fresh again, especially hanging out with the new draftees and going through that whole new process again … it’s fantastic,” Brown said.

“[I’ve] just got to sit down with Mick and the rest of the coaching staff and see what their expectations are and we’ll go from there.

“But there are no excuses down here. They’ve got everything right under your nose.

“I probably haven’t played key position for a couple of years but hopefully if there’s a spot there I can slide in. But I’m happy to play anywhere Mick wants me to play.”