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Ali Brown slots into a unique category of playing in two historic club debuts: first for Carlton in the AFLW’s inaugural match in 2017, and then for St Kilda three years later.

After two seasons out of the elite level following her delisting, the former Blue worked her way onto the Southern Saints VFLW list as she hunted for another opportunity at senior level.

Brown’s perseverance paid off as she etched her name into St Kilda lore by becoming the first female player signed by the club. Ironically, Brown thought she was entering an exit meeting and that her dreams of a second chance had been dashed.

On the field in 2020, the tall defender was a sturdy force, lining up for every game as the Saints’ defence revolved week-on-week due to injury.

Her grit at the contest wasn’t rewarded on the stats sheet, but was nonetheless an integral facet in the red, white and black’s first year.

Occupation: Student in Science at the University of Melbourne, Junior Contract Administrator Cadet at APM Construction Group (part-time)