THAT Carlton youngster Steven Browne was mentioned as possible compensation in the deal that brought Robbie Warnock to Visy Park was a credit to the defender's impact in his first season, but he admits the situation left him a little perplexed.

Having impressed in 13 senior games in his first year with the Blues, the former Perth local was reported to be high on Fremantle's wish list as part of any trade for Warnock, but for his part Browne paid the speculation scant regard.  

"I'm not too sure why my name was getting thrown about, I didn't think I could even leave inside the first two years of my contract anyway; it was all a bit random as far as I was concerned," Browne says.

"It was a compliment to be mentioned as part of that, but I didn't really take it on board; I knew I wasn't going anywhere. I'm happy at Carlton. It's where I want to be."

That's not surprising given the apparent ease with which he has adapted to playing at the highest level and living in Melbourne.

Taken 36th in the 2007 NAB AFL Draft, Browne pushed hard for senior selection from the outset with his VFL performances drawing praise from Bullants' coach David Teague.

By the time the round six clash against Adelaide at the MCG came around Brett Ratten was ready to have a look at the small defender in AFL company.

"My first game was a bit of a blur, it was more about experiencing it, but once you get a bit of a feel for it and you know where to run and how to get the ball, you start to feel more comfortable the more games you play," Browne recalls.

"At first I was just running around everywhere trying to get the ball and I finally got a touch with about two minutes left in the first quarter. After I got that first touch I was pretty happy, but kicking a goal in the second quarter was just awesome."

Browne's fierce attack on the ball was evident right from the start – he recorded six tackles against the Crows – but he also displayed an ability to win the ball with 20 possessions against Geelong in round 10.

He wants to play more football through the middle, but is content to learn his trade from defence and on the training track where he cites skipper Chris Judd as a role model.

"It's really good to play alongside someone who was my idol when growing up," he says.

"It was a bit daunting coming to the club at the same time he did, but once you get to know him he's an awesome bloke.

"He's amazing to watch and learn from with the way he goes about his football and I'll be trying to take as much of that on board as I can."

Like many of his teammates in the back half, Browne has plenty to learn about the game, but he's confident the Blues' back six can be a big part of a successful 2009 campaign. 

"The more games we play together the better we'll get; it's as simple as that," he says.

"We're a young side and a young defence so we just need to work together so we can get that level of familiarity with each others games as time goes by."