by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago
Hawthorn's Campbell Brown has become the latest defection to the Gold Coast. Brown, 27, has signed a three year contract and will begin preseason training with the Suns in November. There was speculation in the media that Brown left Hawthorn as a result of being put up as a possible trade last season. That has been strongly denied by both Hawthorn and Brown himself.
Brown has developed a reputation as a hard working, highly competitive and uncompromising key position player. He has been used in a variety of positions at Hawthorn but the Suns have already indicated that he will be used primarily as a defender. It is a role Brown is looking forward to as well as working with the Gold Coast's developing list.
Gold Coast Coach Guy McKenna said Brown would be an excellent role model and bring great experience to the team. He noted Brown's versatility in being able to play in both defense and attack and further noted Brown's competitiveness.
Brown debuted with the Hawks in 2002 and played 159 games.He was a Rising Star nominee in 2002. He was named All-Australian in 2007, played in the International Rules in 2006 and 2008 and played in Hawthorn's 2008 premiership win over Geelong. This past season, he played his 150th game for Hawthorn which qualified him for life membership to the club.
The AFL has advised Hawthorn that they will be allowed a selection at the end of the first round of the draft as compensation for Brown. The Hawks will be allowed to use that selection in any one of the drafts through 2014. They will also be allowed to trade that selection if the choose. If they do trade that selection, the club gaining the selection will also be allowed to use that selection under the same rules.
Source: Clinton Brown, Hawthorn Media Release; Greg Price, GWS Media Release
Bulldog Jarrod Harbrow has also signed on with the Gold Coast. He informed Western Bulldogs officials shortly after the team lost to St Kilda in the Preliminary Final. Harbrow, originally from Queensland, has developed into an excellent rebounding defender since his debut in 2007. While the club worked tirelessly in an effort to retain him, general manager James Fantasia said it was understandable that Harbrow would want to return to his home state. Harbrow played 69 games for the Bulldogs.
Gold Coast Suns' CEO Travis Auld said it was pleasing to have a native Queenslander in the team and that this would help the club's commitment to representing the community. He also noted Harbrow's strong character which he believes will help build the club's culture. Coach Guy McKenna praised Harbrow's defensive work, courage and skills. He also said a spot up forward or in the midfield were possibilities for Harbrow.
The AFL has advised the Western Bulldogs that they will be allowed a selection at the end of the first round of the draft as compensation for Brown. The Hawks will be allowed to use that selection in any one of the drafts through 2014. They will also be allowed to trade that selection if the choose. If they do trade that selection, the club gaining the selection will also be allowed to use that selection under the same rules.
Source: David McNamara (WB), Greg Price (GCS), Club Media Release
Article last changed on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 - 8:40 PM EDT
