“I've been blessed”: How Ben Brown’s AFL retirement opened his AFLW chapter

Melbourne tall forward Ben Brown decided to step away from AFL at the end of 2024 after playing only five games this season due to consistent injuries.

Admitting he hoped to play more football, but suggesting his body couldn’t manage, he has embraced a new role in football as a specialist coach for Melbourne's AFLW side.

“You get to the end of your career and your mind still feels at its best, but my issue was my body couldn’t get to its best anymore.” Ben Brown told AFL Trade Radio.

“I couldn’t train consistently enough to get the level.

“I had an injury at training that was a big step back and it came pretty clear to me that it was time to go.

“But I’ve been blessed I’ve got the AFLW side still going with Melbourne working as a specialist coach there. That season is still going which I have been really enjoying.”

The 2021 premiership player also mentioned that the AFLW role has allowed him to put his effort into something greater, after spending over a decade focusing solely on his individual pursuit.

“As a footballer, the last 11 years I have focused on my body and myself. I am really looking forward to the next step and how I can make other people thrive,” Brown said.

“I think as much as we can invest into the women’s game, we need to be doing it.

“The reason I got into women’s footy was because I grew up with young girls who wanted to play footy just like me.

“Girls are being kicked around on back ovals wanting their opportunity and not getting it.

“We want to give everyone an equal opportunity to do what they love.

“From an AFL point of view, if we take that sentiment into the AFLW, we can allow it to give it to thrive.

“I would love for my two daughters to live out their dreams and if they want to be footballers, they should be able to do that.

“Whether you’re a boy or a girl it shouldn’t make a difference.”

Brown retired with 175 career goals in 360 games for both North Melbourne and Melbourne.