Nathan Brown has found a new home on free agency’s deadline day, signing a deal to move to the St Kilda Saints.
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St Kilda COO Ameet Bains said:
“Nathan is a handy acquisition for the club and will obviously strengthen our defence.
“Bringing Nathan in as a free agent also allows us to fill a key need without compromising our overall trade position; an important consideration given the trades we have completed during this exchange period.
“His ability to hold down a key defensive post makes him an attractive prospect for where our list is currently placed.
“In addition to his experience and leadership on the field, Nathan is a terrific person off the field and we look forward to him joining our ranks.”
The Magpies issued a short statement on their website.
“Collingwood defender Nathan Brown has exercised his restricted free agency rights to accept an offer from St Kilda.
“Collingwood will not be matching this offer, paving the way for the 2010 premiership player to become a Saint.
“Brown played 130 matches across nine seasons in black and white.
“All at Collingwood thank Nathan for his service and wish him well.”
The Saints have been known to be in the market for a key defender this off-season and while they were reportedly looking at a number of younger options, signing a mature player like Brown seems a good option for them.
They’ll be looking at him to form a partnership with Jake Carlisle who will be eligible to play for the Saints in the 2017 season, with support from young gun Hugh Goddard who will be coming into his third season.
However, the decision to recruit Brown may spell the end for 34-year-old Sam Fisher who is yet to receive a new contract offer from the Saints.
Because the Magpies have signed two free agents this off-season in Daniel Wells and Chris Mayne, they won’t be eligible to receive a compensation draft pick for Brown’s departure.
In the outer
Guest
If the Dockers, Bombers and Suns can conjure any sort of turnaround during 2017, the Pies finishing bottom four is pretty much a given.
In the outer
Guest
Sorry I forgot about the Kangas, who like Collingwood are really going nowhere and could well be outperformed by the Suns.
Wilson
Roar Guru
Jake Carlisle, Nathan Brown & H Godard when he returns will be a very dangerous defence line up.
DT
Guest
Brown is yesterday's hero. Old style defender who can't kick
Tricky
Guest
Well Collingwood you better sign a KPD soon or it's bottom 4 not bottom 6
David C
Guest
GC might surprise a few next year. Brissy and Nth would be the two I'd nomimate.
In the outer
Guest
With Brown gone and Frost, Marsh and Williams all headed for the door, the Pies 'defence' [which already leaks like a sieve] is in for an absolute pounding during 2017. Realistically it is hard to see Collingwood being competitive against any club other than bottom of the ladder Brisbane and the Gold Coast.