Eastern Ranges coach Darren Bewick says he’d be staggered if Collingwood does not nominate Tyler Brown as a father-son selection at this year’s national draft.
The son of former Collingwood captain Gavin, and brother of first-year Magpie Callum, the 17-year-old Brown has catapulted into draft calculations on the back of a strong season.
“Twelve months ago he was nowhere,” Bewick said.
“I’d be staggered if Collingwood doesn’t nominate him as a father-son selection because I get the feeling there are a few clubs that are going to test the Magpies in terms of taking him.”
At 188cm, Brown is 10cm taller than his brother and starred for Marcellin College while mixing time playing for the Ranges this season.
Like his father, Brown is an unassuming type who has let his football do the talking after starting the year without huge expectations.
“He does some things in games that make you take notice but he just needs a bit of self-belief,” Bewick said.
“Once he understands everything, and matures a bit physically, he’s going to be a really good player I think.
“It’s just been a real slow burn for him and I think Callum’s story this year has helped him, but he could be a ripper in a few years.”
Brown said the thought of playing alongside his brother at the club his father represented 254 times has great appeal, especially given he and Callum have not played in the same team since under nines.
“I think it would be a pretty cool experience to play with him given it’s been that long,” he said.
“We’re pretty close. The whole family is pretty close to be honest.”
Brown said his pedigree didn’t add a layer of pressure to a process he’s enjoyed in 2017.
“There’s no pressure to be honest,” he said.
“In fact, having Dad with me and guiding me on ways to improve has only helped.
“I’m pretty lucky to be honest.”
Collingwood holds picks 6, 37, 55 and 66 at this year’s national draft, with a second or third round pick the likely requirement to ensure Brown joins the Magpies.