Adelaide recruit Tyler Brown was hanging out with a few mates when he received a phone call that would change the direction of his life.

The catch was, however, that he had to keep the good news to himself.

“I got a call from my manager (two weeks ago) saying the Crows might be interested in signing me,” Brown said.

“I was with a few of my mates and they were around me, but my manager said to keep it on the downlow.

“I got off the phone to him and had to try my best not to act too excited because I knew I couldn’t tell the boys I was with yet.

“On the inside I was stoked but I had to act pretty cool on the outside, I had to go back home, pack all my stuff and drive to Adelaide.”

“On the inside I was stoked but I had to act pretty cool on the outside.

The whirlwind few days culminated for Brown last Wednesday, when the Crows announced they had signed him during the AFL’s pre-season supplemental selection period (SSP).

Brown, a son of former Collingwood captain and premiership player Gavin Brown, played 27 games for the Magpies from 2018 to 2022, before being delisted after battling illness and injury.

Speaking to AFC Media, the 23-year-old said he was hopeful of earning a second chance at another AFL Club but was unsure if it would happen.

“I spoke to Adelaide a few times during the rookie draft period, but obviously nothing is guaranteed, so I couldn’t get my hopes up too much,” Brown said.

“I had my first training session (with the Club) on Wednesday, which was good.

“It all happened really quick, but it’s been super exciting.

“Everyone has been so welcoming, it’s a young group of boys, but the way they’ve all helped me has been really cool.

“Nicksy has also been really awesome, knowing that he wants to get the best out of you as a player, as well as a person, is really nice.”

Brown had his first experience of the Crows’ passionate supporters during the open training session last week and said he was looking forward to hopefully playing in front of a packed, Adelaide Oval crowd.

“It was a really good turn out and the fans got to see the boys and grab some photos and autographs which was good,” Brown said.