Former Collingwood father-son joins coaching ranks

Former Collingwood father-son Callum Brown has joined the coaching ranks at the Western Bulldogs, taking on the women's backline group ahead of Season 10.

Brown, the son of Pies premiership player Gavin Brown, played 70 games for the black and white side over six years after he was drafted with Pick 35 in the 2016 National Draft.

Playing predominantly as a small, pressure forward, the Eastern Ranges product slotted 23 goals, while a career-best season in 2019 yielded 22 games.

Since, Brown continued his footballing career at Hawthorn affiliate Box Hill Hawks in the VFL, playing 29 matches across the past two years.

But his desire to remain within the football landscape has him open to new experiences, and coaching is one of them.

"It's funny being in different colours, I guess, compared to what I was my whole life, really," Brown said.

"I've always been attached to footy and just loved the coaching/development side of it, along with my old man (Gavin Brown), who has been coaching for over 30 years. I've (learnt a lot) from him, so I'm just keen to get back involved.

"It's been a really great experience coming in as a new coach. Tam's done a great job of making me feel welcome and creating a culture where everyone is free to be themselves and bring their strengths.

"It's been a really good start."

Brown forged a relatively successful playing career as a forward and midfielder, but the challenge to learn a new line as a coach is something that "excites" him.

"The thing that excites me most is their eagerness to learn," Brown said.

"It's incredible – you come in every day and even in their off season, when they're not required to be here, they still are.

"They want to get better, and it's great to see. Even for us coaches, it's great because they actually want to learn.

"I think the group is a really exciting one that can propel forward after an improved year last season.

"Hopefully, we can reach some new heights this year."

Brown's sister Tarni is an AFLW player for Carlton after previously playing 34 games for the Pies.