News

Browne stepping up during pre-season

Wednesday, 2 November 2011
Staff writers for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1

Alex Browne had a promising start to his AFL career in 2011, playing two senior games and showing enough to suggest he will be a member of Essendon's midfield in the future. But he still has a long way to go. This pre-season, essendonfc.com.au will be tracking Browne's progression and development with monthly updates as he works to take his game to the next level.

It is refreshing to hear Alex Browne, Essendon's strong-bodied and well-balanced midfielder, talk of his excitement over his upcoming pre-season. He knows it will be hard work, but is equally aware of the benefits it will bring.

"I'm looking forward to it," the 19-year-old says with a smile. "I want to gain a lot more respect around the footy club as far as trying to hold my own. Respect is a big thing around this club and that's my first goal."

After being selected in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft with pick 48, Browne only began his first pre-season in late November last year, almost six weeks after his more experienced teammates.

Along with the other first-year Bombers, he was eased through the program, completing roughly 50 per cent of the workload before entering his maiden AFL season.

But as he prepares for 2012, Browne is ready for a full pre-season campaign and the challenges - both physical and mental - that will come with it.

"Compared to last year, we are almost jumping into the deep end this year and doing the majority of the work," Browne said.

"It's exciting because, being in your second year; you don't have any excuses anymore of being a first-year player and being the youngest at the club.

"I'm looking forward to that responsibility and taking ownership of who I am and my future."

Though Browne and a number of other younger members of Essendon's squad returned to training last Wednesday, the demands on an AFL player in the modern game require full-year fitness.

While on his break, Browne travelled to Las Vegas with a large group of teammates before going to New York with David Myers and Travis Colyer. There, they began their off-season program outlined by the club's new high performance manager, Dean Robinson.

They went for a bike ride around Central Park and were on the treadmills in the gymnasium, maintaining a fitness base ahead of their return to Melbourne. It is an approach Browne said he had taken out of his first year in the AFL system.

"There was definitely a lesson in living the right lifestyle and being very professional away from the club," he said.

"It's very easy to be professional when you're here, but the really good players carry it on away from the club as well and that's why they're so good."

After testing to begin the first three days of pre-season - "I've never been so sore from three days of training in my life," Browne says - Essendon's regular program will consist of three full days per week, an early start on Saturday mornings amongst other sessions. There are weights sessions almost every day, nestled around brackets of skills, running and strategy.

Browne's focus on getting stronger over the ball is critical to his improvement, after Essendon's coaches told him at his end-of-season review that they saw him as an inside, ball-winning midfielder.

He has the outside skills to match - he's tall and athletic and enjoys taking the game on - but is keen to enter next year weighing 88kg, three kilograms heavier than his current weight.

"They want me to be that inside midfielder so I'm happy to try and play that role. I think I attack the ball pretty hard, so if I can add a little bit more weight behind that it'll be beneficial for me around the footy," he says.

The club also expects Browne to improve the defensive aspects of his game; an area he concedes is a weakness.

After playing with a strong Oakleigh Chargers team in the TAC Cup in 2010 - seven Chargers got drafted - and Xavier College in the APS, Browne admits he came into Essendon unaware of the defensive requirements at the elite level.

He is now more conscious of what is necessary and has clearly thought about where he needs to get better and how to do it. Now sees his chance to implement those plans.

"It's a bit of a wake-up call when you come into this system and you don't realise how much work you have to do, and how much work you probably haven't done in previous years," Browne says.

"I've still got a lot to do.”

Click here to purchase your case of the limited edition Dyson Heppell commemorative wine.

PLAYER PROFILE: Alex Browne
PLAYER PROFILE: Travis Colyer
PLAYER PROFILE: David Myers

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Well if Ariel Steinberg and Michael Ross wanted something more to fire them up for the pre-season this was one way of doing it. Be interesting to see how committed those two become to being excellent.

- Thomas Faunce (posted 2/11/2011 10:16:55 AM)

good story to read Alex, thank you for your honesty and openness.Right attitude and hard work. 3kg. of muscle coming up. Good luck for a great pre season to you & team mates.

- Gail Taylor (posted 2/11/2011 10:21:25 AM)

Sounds like Alex has his head screwed on right and tight. His understanding of what he needs to do off-field is something that escapes even some more mature players. If he wants to be an inside mid then put lots of work into his hips and core. Liked how he was willing to have a crack at the opposition in his first game.

- Kris Bayne (posted 2/11/2011 10:39:11 AM)

Don't understand the reason for the draft to be held so late, the clubs should lobby the AFL to have all the drafts, except the pre season, completed by mid to end of October so the recruits can be nursed into the system and not miss the start of training, as it stands now they are a 4-6 weeks behind the rest, no logic..

- Mark McLachlan (posted 2/11/2011 11:02:02 AM)

EI - can you inform us of the rationale behind the late date of the Draft as it does seem to significantly delay the preparations of young players who then have to face the hardness of fully match fit adults?

- Jeff Hammond (posted 2/11/2011 11:11:52 AM)

Jeff, it is a few days later than last year. I am not sure of the rationale, but I assume it is to allow the young men to finish school/exams?

- Essendon Insider (posted 2/11/2011 11:17:44 AM)

Loved the look of Browne in his first game. Has the right attitude,we have many young kids who look very exciting and are putting this club on the right track. Exciting times ahead,for players and supporters.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 2/11/2011 11:46:17 AM)

Browney has shown glimpses of real ability, but he knows that he has got to work very hard to become a top player, and it seems like he is willing to do that.

- Gordon Moss snr (posted 2/11/2011 12:38:32 PM)

EI: What is the go with Hurley's contract extension.....we have heard nothing?

- Andrew Michajlow (posted 2/11/2011 12:53:19 PM)

Good story, very impressed with what I saw last year, so looking forward to Alex's development this year and beyond. Hope his Mum (Blue) and Dad (Magpie) have been converted to Bombers!

- Graham Flynn (posted 2/11/2011 1:16:50 PM)

Andrew, as soon as we hear something we will let you know. I'm looking forward to a big year from him in 2012!

- Essendon Insider (posted 2/11/2011 1:46:06 PM)

Hard yakka, improving skills and the good stuff will follow.....

- Victor Tallis (posted 2/11/2011 2:21:09 PM)

Finally some news about us.

- al Catraz (posted 2/11/2011 2:23:54 PM)

Some one needs to step up after last seasons effort

- Dave Davo (posted 2/11/2011 3:25:31 PM)

1/ Uplifting to know,these youngsters,instead of the "know it all" attitude by many outside professional sport,are stating they have plenty to do and have plenty to find out and to learn.. Well done Alex,and all like him... :-) Hope gung ho bob,if he ever posts again,learns a valuable lesson not to push these up and comers too soon and early,mistakes might have been made with Gumby,Daniher & Myers,before their bodies were ready to play perhaps...All on the list do not start,or are equal in that regard with training... Might explain also,a few changes amongst the fitness regime..

- Noel Shields (posted 2/11/2011 3:29:06 PM)

2/ All the very best to ALL our Bomber Staff & Players,and I and my late Dad's favourite shovel are available at any time for that first soil sod removal to start the ball rollin' up at Tulla... Complex gotta be ready before Kris' next adventure back home... :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 2/11/2011 3:29:54 PM)

Noel, you point about the young kid's bodies being right is so important. We played Heppell from day one last year as his skills and body were just about right, but most need a couple of pre-season's for their physical and mental ability to match their talent. Browne, Ross, Davis & Steinberg will have that chance to be ready for seniors come 2012.

- Wesley Hull (posted 2/11/2011 4:11:25 PM)

Spot on Wes,as a Coach you'd know first hand from experience(as well as a few others like Rod Hooker) on how important the role of the "patience game" has to play in development of a playing list,and fitness and strength durability can only enhance the natural skill already there in most,raising the "quality" bar of achievement once top paddock maturity blossoms as well... Hope D..D..Davo can grasp all that.. Ivar would still be here if only he was able to grasp even half of it... Cheers All.. Go Dons :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 2/11/2011 6:52:45 PM)

Like many others, very impressed with Alex Browne's attitude and get the distinct impression he's a young man on a mission. Think we may also see rapid improvement in Luke Davis in 2012 if the mail is right. Brad S. I agree with you too, at this point in time, that AD called it right 6/6 last year in national and psd.

- Martin Gol (posted 2/11/2011 7:03:24 PM)

Spot on Graham, I'll be getting in his Dad's ear to see the light (ex Collingwood) Keep up the great work Alex, we are expecting a breakout year from you son.

- Graeme Blore (posted 2/11/2011 9:39:33 PM)

This is an excellent story, a very enjoyable and informative read. Well done, Alex, re your commitment and motivation and good luck for 2012. Angie :)

- Angeline Baron (posted 2/11/2011 11:33:12 PM)

Like these stories. One a week up to the draft. Rossy, Ariel, Luke Davis. At the Chrissy open training last year (hanging for this years) it was glaringly evident how much stronger the established players were. Although many of us were wanting the kids playing this year, myself included, they were managed spot on by Jimmy in hindsight. Hungrier than ever now.

- Brad Scarr (posted 3/11/2011 7:04:49 AM)

Really hoping the young boys lift, we have an ok team but if our midfeilders can fire we wil be knocking on the top 4 door.

- Harry Calaghan (posted 3/11/2011 7:54:52 AM)

If our list managers can produce Browne, Steinberg, Heppell, Davis, Ross and maybe three others of similar ilk this year over the two most horribly compromised drafts in memory I think they deserve a pat on the back.

- Wesley Hull (posted 3/11/2011 12:24:19 PM)

Back last century (OK, late 1990's)a kid called Bradley Green nearly played soccer for Manchester United and nearly played cricket for Australia. Instead he played 4 reserve games for Essendon. He then became Brad Green, skipper of Melbourne with a decorated career. Come draft time, let's not neglect what we grow in our own back yard...we may find another Brad Green. (Little? Madden? Duscher? Shinners? Meli? Other?)

- Wesley Hull (posted 3/11/2011 12:29:17 PM)

As a show of support I too am going to put on 3 kg before the 2012 season kicks off.

- Luke Smith (posted 3/11/2011 1:38:43 PM)

young ALex learned from the best at oakleigh and so will be a star.

- Margaret Dickson (posted 3/11/2011 7:11:10 PM)

EI - Can we have a fitness program for the suppoters - I remember John Quinn doing one we could follow years ago. We could be the fittest supporters!

- Steven Boyle (posted 3/11/2011 9:29:28 PM)

hes going to be a good player but i cant see him playing to many games next year unless there are some injuries.

- grant williams (posted 3/11/2011 9:55:16 PM)

Don't forget we also gave Milney away, Wes.

- alec shiffman (posted 4/11/2011 9:45:07 AM)

Good point, Alec. Also, does that picture look like someone? Wayne Campbell? Good if he got to be that kind of quality.

- Wesley Hull (posted 4/11/2011 12:30:16 PM)

Good to read that the boys are into the preseason. When we will be told where and when they are training. Lots of our supporters would like to know and to see how the boys are going.

- Terence Burke (posted 4/11/2011 6:00:41 PM)

Wes, I was thinking Nick Daffy.

- Bill Carbis (posted 8/11/2011 9:14:01 AM)

so good to read noel and angelique in fine form. alex browne could be the perfect foil for his parents.

- Joe Ferry-Gibson (posted 8/11/2011 9:34:04 AM)

Thank you Joe,nearly done here mate..said all I wanted to say (and more!)about how I thought we were travelling,on and off the field,and so relieved the membership and supporters who post here,have in their ranks many many wonderful people with minds and opinions who are loyal and support and love this Club in their own special way... I am so looking forward to the "guided tour" of our new home base,once completed up at Tulla,and to witness the Coaches & Playing List settled in their Home,in their preparations for consistent Finals Involvement,and for the hard earned success that hopefully will be delivered for the Essendon Masses to enjoy and cherish :-) :-) :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 8/11/2011 9:11:04 PM)