Leigh Brown was the unlikeliest of prototypes.
He was rising 27 when he came to Collingwood in 2009, almost universally described as journeyman having already played 181 games with Fremantle and North Melbourne, and had played in just about every position on the field without truly owning one.
He had a chunky frame, and could have benefitted with a few more inches to add to his 194cm frame, but no one could ever question that he was a competitor, first and foremost.
Read Glenn McFarlane's full story on Leigh Brown's career on Collingwood Forever.
Leigh Brown
Games: 65
Goals: 54
Born: 23 February 1982
Recruited From: Heyfield/ Gippsland U18/ Fremantle/ North Melbourne
Debut: Round 2 2009 v Melbourne
Honours: Collingwood premiership player 2010; Darren Millane Memorial Trophy (Best Clubman) 2011; Life Member 2011
Our Collingwood Cult Figures
There are some footballers who, for whatever reason, form a special connection with their club's fans.
They might not always be the best players in the team, but there is something about them that makes them a favourite of those who cheer from the stands each week.
It might be their hair, or their physique, or their temperament, or something about the way they play – the reasons are many and varied. And you can't force it: it has to happen naturally.
These are a football club's cult heroes. And Collingwood has had plenty of them over the years, especially in the decades since TV and media coverage has boomed.
Each week during the 2016 season, collingwoodfc.com.au and the club's history website, Collingwood Forever, will highlight the career of a different Magpie cult hero. Some have been great players, some have been battlers, some have flattered to deceive. But all have enjoyed a special place in the affections of the black-and-white army.
The story so far...
Round One - Rene Kink
Round Two - Rupert Betheras
Round Three - Ian Cooper
Round Four - Leigh Brown
Click on each player's name to view their profile on Collingwood Forever.
