As he prepares to play his 100th AFL game this Sunday, North Melbourne forward Ben Brown admits it was something that he didn’t see happening during the early stages of his football journey.

“It’s definitely not something I always envisaged,” he said.

One game, let alone 100 didn’t  look likely for Brown, who was overlooked in three drafts before finally being selected with pick 47 by the Roos in 2013.

“It’s been a while coming for me, having missed a couple of drafts and taking a while to get into the AFL system.

“But I’m really proud, and hopefully it’s just the start for me.”

The key-forward will have the chance to mark this milestone by running out with his baby daughter Alia, who was born in December, 2018.

“It’s going to be really special running out with bub (Alia).

“If I can take one positive of not making finals last year, it’s that I’m able to run out with her this year, which will be something I’ll always remember.”

Brown’s 100th match will come against Fremantle at Optus Stadium, a game he knows will be a tough test.

“We know that Freo (Fremantle) will always be dangerous,” Brown said.

“Ross Lyon is a seasoned coach and we expect them to throw a few things at us.

“And with players like Nat Fyfe, who is one of the best in the competition, if not the best, and quality around the rest of the ground, we know we have a big mountain to climb away from home.”

Despite his excellent season in 2018, where he finished second in the Coleman Medal standings with 61 goals, Brown isn’t expecting to have it easy against the Dockers’ defence.

“There’s a couple of options, they have some really good key defenders.

“But I’ve prepared for all options and I’m a competitor, so I’m looking forward to facing whoever it is I come up against.”