Andrew Browne Biography

Former Fremantle player Andrew Browne wins a landmark decision, believed to be worth about $40,000, after he argued he suffered psychologically as the result of being unable to overcome hamstring injuries.

Former North Melbourne great Wayne Schwass has praised the decision to compensate Andrew Browne for his bout with depression.

"I think we need to continually deal (with) and educate our playing groupcom, whether it be at club level or the entire playing group level, because they're human beings," Schwass said.

"And just because someone might be playing good footy, does not guarantee that they'll be making smart choices."

Former Fremantle midfielder Andrew Browne has taken a claim to the AFL grievance tribunal over the depression that ended his career.

"Dealing with him individually was really important to me and we caught up quite a bit through the year and assisted him as best as possible, and so did the club, on various occasions," Fremantle captain Matthew Pavlich said of his ex-teammate.

"To see a player who was really popular around the group, to see him go through what he did last year, and I guess throughout his whole career with injuries and what not, was difficult.

"But from my perspective it was all about support and helping him through it."

Six players have left Fremantle following the end of their 2009 season.

Andrew Browne has retired, while the Dockers have delisted Adam Campbell, Daniel Gilmore and Josh Head along with rookie-listed players Brent Connelly and Luke Pratt.

Personal reasons will keep Andrew Browne out of the Fremantle line-up indefinitely with the club declining to comment any further on the issue.

Richmond rookie Andrew Browne has been promoted to the senior list and is likely to take the No.2 ruck spot on Thursday night.