Former AFL star forward Nathan Brown believes Richmond vice-captain Brett Deledio could become a goalkicking gun for the Tigers in the twilight of his league career.
Brown, who kicked a total of 349 goals in 219 games for both Richmond and the Western Bulldogs, sees clear parallels between Deledio and one of his former teammates at the Whitten Oval, Brad Johnson.
“If Brett Deledio played full-forward all year, he has the ability to kick 70 or 80 (goals), without a doubt,” Brown said on Channel Nine’s Sunday Footy Show.
“He’s got a very similar body size to Brad Johnson.
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In that great year the Dogs had (2006), he kicked 74 goals, so there’s no reason why he (Deledio) couldn’t kick 70 or 80.”
Deledio, 28, has kicked 152 goals in 221 games for Richmond, playing predominantly as a midfielder, although he’s spent more time forward since the middle of last year.
He admitted the prospect of eventually playing permanently deep forward appealed to him.
“I do enjoy playing down the forward line . . . I just find it gives you a chance to play one-on-one with your opponent and use your attributes to the best of your ability,” he said.
