Why an AFL club must offer VFL star an opportunity at the top level

Werribee captain Dom Brew has deserved a crack at the AFL.

That is according to Campbell Brown who has admired the 27-year-old from afar across the last few seasons.

Brew won the JJ Liston Trophy as the VFL’s best and fairest player while also claiming the VFL Coaches MVP award for a stellar individual campaign.

The former North Albury star, who captained the VFL State team this year, should now be rewarded with a spot on an AFL list in the eyes of Brown.

The Hawthorn premiership player is a key member of the Channel 7’s VFL broadcast and has watched Brew closely in recent years.

“It’s proof that if you really want something bad enough you can achieve anything you want in football,” Brown told SEN.com.au.

“He is the epitome of hard work, dedication, commitment and a team-first mindset.

“Guys like Brody Mihocek and Shaun Mannagh have proven that it doesn’t matter how old you are to be given an opportunity at AFL level. In the right environment at the right club, not only can you get a game but you can add real benefit to the clubs chasing success.

“You know if you give him an opportunity that he’d be all-in and it would be a great story.

“Rarely have I seen a player be as passionate and love his teammates and his club so much. His interview after the prelim proves the love he has for the club, and that passion would rub off on players at AFL level.

“I’ve been covering the VFL for about 10 years and he’d be my VFL favourite player.”

Brew, who stands at 180cm, has averaged 28.5 disposals, 9.9 clearances, 9.4 tackles and 5.6 inside 50s per game for Werribee in 2024.

He will lead the Tigers into the VFL Grand Final against the Southport Sharks at IKON Park this Sunday from 3:10pm AEST.