Elliot Yeo (West Coast), Sam Docherty (Carlton), Jared Polec (Port Adelaide), Billy Longer (St Kilda) and Patrick Karnezis (Collingwood) all walked out on the Lions this time last year after requesting trades home.

Brisbane went on to land this year’s NAB Rising Star winner Lewis Taylor with the pick it received from the Eagles for Yeo, with James Aish, Darcy Gardiner, Daniel McStay and Jonathan Freeman also joining the club.

They all tasted regular senior action this season and their former captain, who retired from the AFL after 256 games this year, was full of praise.

“The club copped a lot of flak losing players who were homesick but it’s turned out to be a blessing in disguise,” Brown said.

“The five or six young draft picks we brought in have been outstanding.”

Brown, who spent the weekend on the Border for Sunday’s Ovens and Murray grand final, also gave his tick of approval to Benalla star Tom Rockliff.

The former Murray Bushrangers ace won his second best and fairest at Brisbane this season and also earned his first All Australian selection.

“He’s got future captain material, no doubt,” Brown said.

“He’s been outstanding.

“To win All-Australian selection in what was a difficult year was really good.

“He’s super consistent and highly competitive.”

Brown also praised the efforts of former Ovens and Murray duo Jack Crisp and Zac O’Brien at Brisbane this year.

“Zac played some really good footy in that last game against Geelong,” Brown said.

“I think the club has really high hopes for him.

“Crispy, as well ... He had a great last month of footy.”