Tough All Australian Defender Campbell Brown has signed with the Gold Coast SUNS for its inaugural AFL season.

Brown, 27, joins the Gold Coast SUNS from Hawthorn after 159 games since his debut in 2002.

He has earned a reputation as a hard and uncompromising competitor who can play in a variety of positions with equal skill and courage. He was awarded All Australian selection at half back in 2007 and has twice been selected to play for Australia in International Rules against Ireland. He was a crucial member of the Hawks famous 2008 Grand Final victory over Geelong.

Brown is the Gold Coast SUNS fourth uncontracted player to be announced following the signing of Nathan Bock, Nathan Krakaouer and Michael Rischitelli.

Gold Coast SUNS CEO Travis Auld said the signing of Campbell Brown is another important announcement and an indication the Club has an exciting and compelling plan for entering the AFL next year.

“This is extremely satisfying. To sign a player such as Campbell Brown from an established Melbourne club is justification of all the hard work we are doing to make this club a success,” he said.

“Brown is a very important signing for the Gold Coast SUNS. His character, his professionalism and the tough, uncompromising way he plays for his team reflects the values and culture of the Gold Coast SUNS. We are proud to have a player like him agree to join us on our journey.”

Brown has agreed to a three-year contract and will join the Gold Coast SUNS for pre-season training in November.

Gold Coast SUNS Coach Guy McKenna said Brown as a premiership player with over 150 AFL games would bring much needed experience to the young team of talented players he is developing.

“He joins us from a very professional and disciplined football environment, and successful Melbourne club such as the Hawks, and will provide our young group with an important role model,” he said.

“He brings some magnificent personality traits to our club. He is a spirited, super competitive, uncompromising team first player.

“His versatility and ability to play in defence or attack will be very important for us in our inaugural year. He will be a leader among the young group as a very professional footballer who has great respect from his teammates and the AFL industry.”

Brown said joining the new Gold Coast SUNS team was a new challenge and an enormous opportunity.
“I’m really pleased about the move and the challenge of working with the young talented playing list. This is a great opportunity for me and a new chapter in my career. I’m looking forward to living and playing on the Gold Coast and the excitement that comes with being part of a new AFL team.”

NB: The Gold Coast SUNS has the ability to recruit one uncontracted player from existing AFL clubs under the list build provisions granted by the AFL list build sub-committee.

The Gold Coast SUNS policy remains to not discuss individual players or its recruitment process for uncontracted players. Official announcements on un-contracted players will be made when arrangements have been finalised.