Essendon Royals secure former A-Leagues star, James Brown

Essendon Royals is delighted to announce the signing of former A-Leagues Men’s star James Brown.

Brown arrives at the Royals having plied his trade in the National Premier Leagues Victoria competitions with great success over the last few seasons, following an exciting A-League career with Gold Coast United, Newcastle Jets and Melbourne City.

The dynamic forward offers plenty of experience and versatility in the final third of the pitch and a proven eye for goal, making for an exciting addition to Vitale Ferrante’s team.

Having already been in training with the Royals for a number of weeks and getting his first pre-season minutes during a friendly last weekend against North Geelong Warriors, Brown said he has enjoyed his start to life at his new club.

“I joined in mid-January and it’s been great,” Brown said.

“The standard is good and the application from the boys has been very good actually, so I only have positive things to say.”

Brown said he had to think long and hard about where he would play in 2022 as he balances his family life with his football, but said finding a club with ambition and the hunger to improve was an important part of the conversation that ultimately saw him sign with the Royals ahead of the upcoming State League 1 campaign.

“It’s a pleasure to be here,” he said.

“I’m a bit older and wiser these days and I have a few more responsibilities – I have kids now – so it’s important for me to play somewhere where the balance is right.

“Having said that, I came here because I still have things I want to achieve as a footballer and I still want to play at a decent level, and that’s what attracted me to the Royals. I know there’s ambition and I’ve sat down with the coach, the board and that’s helped to convince me this is the right place for me.”

Having crossed paths with senior coach Ferrante throughout his time in the top-flight of Victorian football, Brown said the opportunity to work with the Royals boss was another positive of signing for the club.

“We’ve crossed paths over the years, but I like the way his teams play so that helped make the decision a bit easier, especially once I head about his vision, philosophy and what he wants to achieve.”