Brown, an attacking midfielder, looms as a real entertainer when Gold Coast kicks off season five of the A-League in 2009.

And together with newly signed Roar striker Tahj Minniecon, Brown says the dynamic duo can be the catalyst to bring fans, including Indigenous supporters, to the games across the country.

"My message [to the Indigenous sports fans] is just to get on board and give the A-League a go," Brown told au.fourfourtwo.com.

"And to come to the Gold Coast and support the team."

The pair are expected to be pushing for regular first team spots at Skilled Stadium.

And with superstar Kiwi striker Shane Smeltz also signed up to the Clive Palmer football revolution, Gold Coast already looks to be a very attractive side to watch.

However, Australia's Indigenous fans have often followed other football codes as Indigenous players have generally excelled in these sports.

Now with Minniecon and Brown together with a handful of Indigenous talent across the A-League – such as Travis Dodd and Jade North – times could be changing for the expanded A-League.

"Within the indigenous communities I'd say they follow the rugby codes and even AFL but hopefully if more indigenous players play in the A-League it will help promote the A-League in the communities," added Brown.

"Then hopefully young Indigneous kids can get on board and give it a go."

Brown signed a three year deal in December. He grew up in the Tweed region before moving to the AIS where he helped the Young Socceroos qualify for the World Youth Cup in 2008.

And with injuries (osteitis-pubis) now behind him, Brown will be in training at the QAS and cannot wait to start training in April as a full-time pro with Gold Coast (whose owner Clive Palmer has donated significant sums of money to Indigenous communities in WA).

Brown's hero is indigenous boxer and former League star Anthony Mundine: "I've always looked up to him and I like his attitude and his confidence."

And Brown has played rugby league, but his one game as a junior was not to his liking and the following year his father signed him up for a football team.

"In football, I think Jade North is another hero I look up to," he added.

Brown's father is white and his mother is full Aboriginal. It's been a proud time seeing their son sign for one of the A-League's biggest franchises.

"I've had a few phone calls after they saw me in the papers and on the news and from my uncles and aunties after I signed," said the Kingscliff-raised player.

As for his namesake, the deceased US soul legend, you get the feeling Brown would like to forge his own name over time as a new hero to Aussie football fans.

"I get it all the time," he says of his name. "Although actually, I don't mind his music."