While the rest of downtown Delhi buzzed around him, St Kilda coach Alan Richardson was stationed inside a phone box on the side of the road, helping pave the way for Collingwood premiership full-back, Nathan Brown, to land at the Saints last week.
Having previously crossed paths in a former life at the Magpies, when Richardson worked for the club he played over 100 games for as a development coach, Brown was keen to rekindle their relationship and pursue a fresh start, after ten years in black and white.
“In the end it wasn’t a hard decision at all. It all happened fairly quick,” Brown told saints.com.au in his first interview as a St Kilda footballer.
“Last week I had contact from ‘Richo’, believe it or not, he was in India. I had a really good chat to him and I’ve worked with him before at Collingwood; he was my first development coach at Collingwood, so we’ve got a really good relationship.
“After a chat with him I had a really good feeling about it and in the end it was a pretty easy decision to join the Saints.”
St Kilda’s pursuit of another key defender to complement last year’s acquisition of Jake Carlisle and stalwart Sean Dempster, has been no secret, with the signature of Brown helping to renovate the Saints’ back six.
Trade of fortune: St Kilda's best trades this century
Before St Kilda and Brown put ink to paper, Chief Operating Officer, Ameet Bains, List Manager, Tony Elshaug, and physiotherapist, Andrew Wallis, put the 27-year-old through a demanding physical examination as the sun set on a local oval in Malvern late last week, after he met earlier with club doctor, Ian Stone.
“I made contact (with St Kilda) and then had to tick off a few boxes; I did a medical with the doctor and passed that, which is good because I’ve had a few injuries over my time,” Brown said.
“I then met with the boys [Bains and Elshaug] and the physio and to be honest, they absolutely smashed me for 45 minutes.
“I got a text message saying bring your runners and your boots and we’ll just go through a few things, but for 45 minutes they absolutely tested me.
“I passed that and from there I had another chat with ‘Richo’ and made the decision over the weekend and I’m very happy, very happy.”
Buy, swap, sell: St Kilda in the free agency period
While trade period is a nerve-wracking time for players in limbo, they aren’t the only ones affected by the fear of the unknown.
“It’s very stressful. I said to my wife: us players, we got on with it, that’s what we do, we make decisions and get on with it,” Brown said.
“But our families, our parents it is stressful for them because they ride the journey as well and they’re with us all the time. I’m glad I’m at the Saints, it’s really exciting and I’ve got a really good feeling. To finally make it official, it’s really good.”
Reinvigorated by the opportunity to walk into a new club and start all over again, Brown believes switching stripes will help him squeeze the sponge dry during the latter stages of his AFL career. A career he hopes has plenty of football left in it yet.
“It’s funny, when I was talking to ‘Richo’ the other night, I honestly felt like an 18-year-old back sitting in his office trying to plan out my year and pre-season. So it is exciting and having had 48 hours to reflect on it just quickly, it’s something that I think I’ve needed,” he said.
“Ten years at one club has been amazing, but I still think I’ve got a lot to offer in this game and hopefully now I’ve got a lot to offer the Saints. I’m looking forward to getting amongst it and helping the Saints on their journey and to help create something special.”
Nathan Brown Snapshot:
Pick No. 10 in the 2006 National Draft
130 games at Collingwood
2010 premiership player
2015 Best Clubman
2008 Best 1st year player
For details about all 2017 membership packages, or to become a member today, please call 1300 467 246 or visit here.
