In 2006 Brown moved to Australia to join Newcastle Jets in the A-League after being noticed by the club in a standout performance for the national team, the All Whites, in a 1–1 draw against Premier League side Charlton Athletic in August 2006.

On 26 March 2012, Brown announced his retirement from football following the conclusion of the 2011–12 A-League season, to pursue a master's degree in management at either the London School of Economics or Cambridge University.

Brown was a standout in the 1–1 draw at English premier leaguers Charlton Athletic in August 2006, a performance that eventually led to an A-League contract with the Newcastle Jets in Australia.

Given the responsibility of leading his country for the first time against Wales, Brown put on a masterful display in Wrexham with a whole-hearted effort and supplied the ball for Shane Smeltz's second goal.

In 2009, another injury-enforced absence of Ryan Nelsen provided another opportunity for Brown to once again assume the captaincy, leading the All Whites in their third Confederations Cup campaign and also earning their first-ever point in a senior men's FIFA tournament in a 0–0 draw with Iraq.

[9] The surgery was a success, but a considerable loss of match fitness during his recovery period coupled with consistent good performances by teammates Ivan Vicelich and Simon Elliott prevented Brown from making an appearance in New Zealand's historic World Cup 2010 finals campaign.

On 27 March 2012, Brown announced his intention to retire from the professional game in order to commence a master's degree in management at either the London School of Economics or Cambridge University.