Recently delisted Magpie Callum Brown has revealed he was blindsided by the club’s decision to part ways with him and says he’s keen to continue his career at a second team.
Callum and younger brother Tyler were among four Magpies let go by the club last week to end the father-son pair’s time at the AIA Centre.
Speaking candidly on AFL Trade Radio, Brown admitted it was “tough” to hear his future was over at Collingwood was up without any firm previous inkling.
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“I went into (the exit meeting) completely blind,” he revealed.
“My manager had spoken to ‘Wrighty’ (Collingwood footy boss Graham Wright) for a while before and they were still sort of umming and ahhing.
“We hadn’t really got an answer yet indication. I walked in, and they just straight up got told I wouldn’t be offered another contract.”
Callum departed Collingwood after 70 games across five seasons, but just six appearances this year, since being drafted as a father-son selection in 2016 with Pick 35.
The 24-year old noted he’d received some interest from teams, but conceded several sides would prioritise navigating through the trade period to determine how many list spots they’ll have.
“That is the hope (to join another club), speaking to my manager and working out if we can get that done. Hopefully it all works out, but that’s the aim for sure,” he said.
“We had a little bit (of interest) throughout the year. When I was still playing, in and out of the team, and we’ve had a little bit since.
“Clubs are speaking to my manager so hopefully something pulls through. But still very early, so a lot of clubs are still waiting to see what they do at the trade period and how many list spots they have.
“The plan is to be playing AFL Football next season.”
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The midfielder/forward added that he’d be “open to a move anywhere, even interstate” to continue his AFL career.
Callum revealed Tyler, who played 27 games for the Pies over three seasons, was also taken back by his delisting, and that he’d too had some rival interest.
“Tyler is going alright. It was a shock the first few days — I think the first few days it’s a bit of shock, it almost hasn’t hit you yet and it starts to hit you after,” he said.
“He is going pretty good though. He has had a small bit of interest too, but we are just staying positive at the moment.
“Tyler and I had our exit meetings straight after each and didn‘t know how each other’s went. It was a bit unsettling after talking to each other … it’s been a weird time.”
The pair’s younger sister, Tarni, plays for Collingwood’s AFLW side.