St Kilda Football Club confirmed on Monday that Player Development Manager Tony Brown will leave the club to take up a new role with the Western Bulldogs, ending 21 years of service as a player and staff member.
St Kilda General Manager of Football Lenny Hayes said Brown had supported countless players during his time at the club. "He has been there on so many players' first and last days at the club. In between, he's helped young men settle into a new city, supported them through injury and setbacks, and been the person they could call when they needed advice," Hayes said.
Brown played 108 games for St Kilda between 1995 and 2000, a period that included the club's 1997 AFL Grand Final campaign. He later had a stint in the SANFL before spending seven years teaching at Sandringham East Primary School, Haileybury College and Christian College Geelong.
He returned to St Kilda in 2012 as Player Development Manager and gameday runner, a role he has held for the past 15 years.
Hayes said Brown's influence went beyond football. "Browny's impact extends well beyond football, having helped countless young men navigate the transition from professional sport to the next stage of their lives," he said.
Hayes also thanked Brown's family for their contribution to the club over two decades. "Our players, coaches and staff thank Browny, his wife Kirsty and children Mackenzie, Jonty and Maddison for everything they have given the Saints over the past two decades," he said.
St Kilda co-captain Jack Sinclair said Brown had been a constant support for players and their families. "Browny was the ultimate support person for all of our players, partners and families. He went above and beyond to create environments, both at the club and at home, that gave each individual the best chance to succeed," Sinclair said.
Sinclair said Brown's availability had been a source of comfort for the playing group. "No task was ever too difficult, and it gave us great comfort knowing we could rely on him 24/7. His friendship and care helped so many navigate through challenging times with form, injury and personal hardships off the field," he said.
Brown described the move as one of the most difficult decisions he has made. "The St Kilda Football Club has been my home for more than two decades and has played such an important role in my life," he said.
He said the club had given him his start in the AFL system. "The club provided my first opportunity in the AFL, and I've felt privileged to support young athletes as they pursued their dreams over the past 15 years," Brown said.
He said the relationships built during his time at St Kilda would outlast his move to the Bulldogs. "The players and staff I've worked alongside during that time have become more like family than colleagues, and while I'll soon be changing colours, those friendships will endure forever," he said.
Brown said the chance to work closer to his home in Barwon Heads had influenced his decision. "While the time is right for a new challenge and the opportunity to work closer to home in Barwon Heads is appealing, I'll deeply miss the Saints and the people who make this club so special," he said.
He had a message for the club he is leaving. "I wish everyone at St Kilda all the very best for future success, both on the field and in their lives away from the game," Brown said.
The announcement was made in a media release issued by St Kilda's Corporate Communications team on Monday, October 12.