News

Browne back in business

Thursday, 5 January 2012
Callum Twomey for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1

In an on-going series, Essendon's Alex Browne takes essendonfc.com.au inside his pre-season with monthly updates as he pushes to become a permanent member of the Bomber line-up in 2012. This is the third update.

December was a good month for Alex Browne.

The 19-year-old returned to Essendon training after a quad strain limited his November block of pre-season, he took part in the Bombers' camp at the Gold Coast, and he's been finding his niche in more match simulation drills which have crept back into Essendon's program.

Oh, and December also meant the start of a two-week break over Christmas and New Year. But lets start with the injury status first.

In his last pre-season update with essendonfc.com.au, Browne thought he was one week away from re-joining the full group after a strain to his right quad. And that's what happened, with the promising half-back/midfielder partaking in all drills for the last two-and-a-half weeks before the players broke up on December 22.

"It was pretty much straight back into it after we last spoke," Browne said. "It's been going well and I'm fully training now, so I'm happy about that."

Due to the unavailability of Windy Hill, Essendon's football department decided to take the players to the Gold Coast for a week-long training camp. The structure of training changed little, but was also combined with add-on sessions such as sand dune running and beach 'strongman' contests.

"It was more of a chance to bond. It was the same training program but in a more relaxed environment and it was good to get away from all your mates in Melbourne and just focus on footy," Browne said.

"We were taking advantage of what we had. We were staying only 50m away from the beach so it was easy to get involved down there."

The last month has also seen Essendon's game-plan for 2012 take shape. After one year under new coach James Hird and his coaching panel – with new additions Matthew Egan and James Byrne ahead of this season – the players have learned of a few tweaks to the system.

This year there will be even more of a focus on defence. They're picking up new ways to stop teams from scoring and also finding that limiting an opposition's scoring power can be as satisfying as increasing their own.

It's a sign of a maturing side, one Browne – with his strong body, good skills and growing game awareness – wants to be a part of.

"Training drills are one thing, but you've got to be playing games before the NAB Cup starts and we're definitely including that into our sessions," he says.

"We're going to be a very defensive side, but in saying that we're also going to be an exciting side.

"When we have the footy in our hands we're looking to use it well with good ball movement and patterns of play, but when it comes the other way we'll have that appetite to defend."

It sounds like words straight from his coach's mouth, unsurprising given Hird's close working relationship with his players. Browne makes an effort to seek out advice and Hird makes an effort to give his players time, opportunity and confidence.

"I've had a one-on-one meeting with him in his office this pre-season and it's been great," Browne said. "It's really beneficial for my footy in keeping me heading in the direction I want to go."

Hird would be pleased with how Browne is spending his two-week break, too. The young Bomber spent some time in the sun on the Mornington Peninsula, but not enough to distract him from his holiday training program.

"If I stay in Melbourne I'll keep a narrow focus," he says.

And then, on Thursday, the players will return to the club and it will start again. Not that it ever really stopped.

Click here to check out all the post-Christmas Bomber Shop specials today. Don't miss out on the latest 2012 adidas traning range.

PLAYER PROFILE: Alex Browne

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Taking on Buddah! Might be a sign of things to come, Browney is ready. Get him in your Supercoach team Raybie, may even be dual position, like DM. Mmmm, who do you pick?

- Brad Scarr (posted 6/01/2012 6:45:11 PM)

Great to see the hunger in some of these younger guys, the pressure will be on for places in 2012, which can only be good for the bombers.

- Paul Herbert (posted 6/01/2012 7:28:55 PM)

Very promising youngster, another one of many who will push for senior selection. E is Henry Slattery going around again in 2012.

- Rod Hooker (posted 6/01/2012 7:50:10 PM)

Browney has got it in him to be a very good player, and I am very interested in what he said about our game style being tweaked to make us even more defensive, while still aiming to use the ball well with good movements and patterns of play. With all of the expert coaches that we've got, we should have a good game plan.

- Gordon Moss snr (posted 6/01/2012 10:34:49 PM)

All positive signs..... However, match day will provide the answers..... 2012 is here and all teams appear to have lifted (which one would expect)so the Red n Black will have to conquer all the challenges thrown at them as they march towards the Holy Grail..... Go Bombers!!!!!

- Victor Tallis (posted 7/01/2012 4:46:37 AM)

Great read, looking forward to Alex's silky movements around the paddock in 2012!!

- Duncan Eastey (posted 7/01/2012 8:16:24 AM)

This was good to read Alex.When Essendon's playing well they are an extremely exciting team to watch indeed. James is a leader with insight & integrity. Sounds like you've been given strong guidance & support. This attitude of yours will take you a long way toward success. Alex, Good Luck for a successful 2012 season.

- Gail Taylor (posted 7/01/2012 9:59:17 AM)

Browne seems like a smart kid and one who will adapt to the big time. Good to see defence is the key focus. Our scores against were 500 more than other top 8 sides last year, so that's where a large amount of improvement must come to go further.

- Wesley Hull (posted 7/01/2012 11:36:44 AM)

Noel, you were right. That team I posted (I think on the Alwyn Davey Q&A story) was made up of all of our All-Australian selections from the 1950's to now. Impressive list of talent!

- Wesley Hull (posted 7/01/2012 11:38:59 AM)

Tim Brooke-Taylor with Browne hair!

- Mark Adams (posted 7/01/2012 5:30:19 PM)

After making the nuisance "listen to BD AB,not JH..jumbo sausage rolls did it for me" ex ruck champ eat sand,young Alex then took on someone much bigger,to test his power and strength even further.. Go Bombers !!

- Noel Shields (posted 7/01/2012 6:08:45 PM)

Go well Browney, we're looking for big things from you mate. Like the way you're thinking about your footy, but take time for yourself too, so you have that good balance in life! You'll end up a better player, and a very well rounded bloke, but you got a good headstart. Say gooday to the old man, and tell him I'll catch up mid-feb.

- Graeme Blore (posted 8/01/2012 4:33:17 PM)

Well put Graeme. As we pull clear again and go 2 flags clear of the Pies, they will be cursing they're recruiters for not being all over this lad. Time for these 2nd year fellas to grab the chance.

- Brad Scarr (posted 9/01/2012 12:41:29 PM)

hehehe happy new year Noel.! go bombers in 2012!

- Bob Davies (posted 9/01/2012 5:42:24 PM)

Probably getting ahead of myself here.Fletcher plays his 350th game against Gold Coast,up there.I was at the Gabba for his 300th.Hoping this game turns out better than his 300th and we have a win for our respected time piece and as many Essendon fans get to this game as possible,and show him the respect that he deserves and cheer him on.This will be the most important milestone game I will be attending.Cannot wait to see the boys hold Fletch,high above their shoulders with so much pride,for all of us.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 10/01/2012 10:46:24 AM)

And the very same to you Bob :-) Go Bombers!

- Noel Shields (posted 10/01/2012 11:59:28 AM)

Bob Davies and Noel Shields have finally buried the hatchet and wish each other well for 2012. Well done guys. There is a fair bit of truth in the saying "United we stand divided we fall" GO BOMBERS in 2012!!!!

- Alan De Menezes (posted 10/01/2012 1:39:24 PM)

Gee, Diane, I hope you are right about Dustin. We have earmarked the Metricon game as our Essendon match...closer to Cairns...for this year. What a treat if it were a chance to celebrate Dustin's 350th.

- Wesley Hull (posted 10/01/2012 2:25:12 PM)

Would be great Wesley,for our interstate bomber friends to see Fletcher reach his unbelievable milestone.We just take it for granted down here,that we will see it all here,so am willing to share this piece of Essendon history with all you guys up there.You all deserve a piece of the action as well.Enjoy,might have to try and meet up with you.A few of us are going.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 11/01/2012 12:33:25 PM)