After a year at Newark, now aged 23, Brewis moved into the Football League when he was signed by York City of the Third Division North in July 1930.
In March 1932, Brewis was signed for Southampton of the Second Division by recently appointed manager George Kay as cover for Bill Fraser and Arthur Wilson.
[2] During the summer of 1932, the Saints' worsening financial position resulted in the sales of both Fraser (to Fulham) and Wilson (to West Ham United) leaving Brewis as the only recognised inside-right, with Herbert Coates being recalled at inside-left.
Brewis and Coates became established as the inside-forwards, with Ted Drake in the centre, and Dick Neal and Johnny Arnold on the wings.
Brewis scored ten goals from 31 League appearances, including a hat-trick in a 4–1 victory over Manchester United on 3 September 1932.