Leigh Brown Biography

Retiring Magpies utility Leigh Brown says he left everything on the field in the 2011 grand final, the last match of his career.

"I'd like to think I go out every week and give it everything I've got," he said after the 38-point loss to the Cats.

"It doesn't necessarily always pay off and I've had my fair share of criticism, but I'd like to think every week I've gone out and given it my all and tried to play my role for team."

Collingwood's premiership-winning utility Leigh Brown announces his retirement at the end of the season.

"I guess once you start thinking about it and you've been around for a while, you know when your time is right, and I feel like my time is right to leave the game," Brown said.

"It's a bit physical, a bit mental. I've been in the game for 12 years and I'm not getting any younger, so I think the time is right from the feeling within."

Leigh Brown will play in his 200th game this weekend for Collingwood, his third club after stints with Fremantle and North Melbourne.

Brown's career looked in jeopardy after an average 2008 season at the Kangaroos.

"I probably thought it was over there for a while and I'm very grateful for the opportunity ... it's exciting times," Brown said.

"I still thought I could play at the level. I think I was still playing some good footy last year even at VFL level. The opportunties probably weren't there and weren't given to me last year, but I still thought I could play.

"I'm not too worried about what people outside the club say or anything like that. I knew that I still had something to offer and I was very keen to play on and I'm enjoying my footy this year."