Brown is predicting Collingwood and West Coast Eagles will put on a show to remember on grand final day at the MCG.

“I think Collingwood will win in what will be a cracking grand final,” Brown said.

“Collingwood has battled hard over the last month to get this opportunity and I think they look right to go.

“The Eagles have been terrific as well so we could be in for an absolute classic grand final.”

Brown’s confidence around the Magpies is shared by another south-west export with AFL links, Jordie McKenzie.

The former Melbourne onballer, who returned to Terang Mortlake this season, is backing in his former Demon teammate and now Collingwood star Jeremy Howe to play a key role.

“Jeremy is one of my best mates so I’m hoping Collingwood win for him.” McKenzie said.

“I think he can have a real influence, he loves the big stage and hopefully he can pull down a few big grabs.

“I actually barracked for West Coast Eagles growing up so I do have a bit of a soft spot for them.

“But it would be great if the Pies can bring it home.”

For the first time in a number of years, the south-west will not be represented on grand final day.

This breaks a long sequence of players from the region making their mark on the AFL grand final 

Last year, the victorious Richmond team had among its number former Tatyoon player David Astbury. 

The previous year, Hamilton export Liam Picken  was a star in the Western Bulldogs’ drought-breaking grand final win. His captain that day was Camperdown’s Easton Wood.