He played as a key position forward and had an accurate left foot kick.

Buoyed by his good form for Ballarat, Brosnan decided to make another attempt at a VFL career and joined Fitzroy.

Brosnan became club captain in 1903, leading Fitzroy to the 1903 VFL Grand Final, losing by two points.

In the dying seconds he had a chance to win the game after marking a pass from teammate Percy Trotter thirty metres out from goal.

The ball just grazed the outside of the goal post, and the final bell sounded immediately afterwards.