On Saturday night in front of more than 69,000 fans at the MCG, he fulfilled a childhood dream helping give back the Vics the number one mantle.

Brown, who captained Victoria, kicked two last-quarter goals to help his team overcome a three-quarter-time deficit and score a 17-point win against the Dream Team.

The AFL Hall of Fame Tribute Match marked a return of representative football after a nine-year absence.

Brown grew up admiring the passionate performances of the late Ted Whitten and lived up to a pre-game prediction that he would invoke the great man's spirit. ``We stuck it up 'em,'' Brown said, echoing Whitten's famous words, while accepting the spoils of victory.

Brown said the match was among the highlights of his career and an occasion that all would treasure.

``It was a very special night and I suppose outside the premierships we definitely won't forget that one,'' Brown said.

``Bomber (coach Mark Thompson) asked us for a big effort in the last quarter and the boys delivered in front of our home crowd, so it was a very special night.''

Brown wasn't the only south-west footballing export to shine on the game's biggest stage with Colac's Nathan Foley playing a leading role in the midfield for the Vics.