The 31-year-old mother of two was yesterday named in the Silver Ferns squad to play Australia next month, completing a remarkable comeback.
Brown stepped down from international netball in 2007 to start a family. She kept her hand in, playing ANZ Championship netball for the Tactix, Magic and Steel, but was unable to commit to the extra demands of playing for the Silver Ferns.
With her young family a little older now - Kiana (3) and Aria (18 months) - the time feels right to return.
"It has been a long time between drinks," she said.
"But it is great to be back in the Silver Ferns environment."
Part of what still drives Brown is a desire to get to the Commonwealth Games. She made herself unavailable for the Delhi Games in 2010. In 2006, she had badly injured her knee and was replaced in the squad by Jessica Tuki. The Silver Ferns went on to win the gold medal and Brown has always felt robbed.
"I've made no secret of it, that the Commonwealth Games is one thing that I have left to do in my netball career. That is what is driving me at the moment, and obviously Wai [Wai Taumaunu, Silver Ferns coach] is looking for people to commit through to the world champs and Commonwealth Games."
Brown believes she is in a different frame of mind now than she was when she last played for the Silver Ferns. She feels fitter, she is more relaxed and philosophical about her role in the side.
"When I was young and didn't have kids, I'd go into that environment with a whole heap of pressure lumped on my shoulders of having to perform.
"This time I go into camp and I know that I just have to do my best and everything else is out of my control. If I'm performing they will put me on court, if I'm not then they won't play me."
Competition for places in the shooting circle will be fierce.
Irene van Dyk turned 40 this year but is still at the top of her game.
Cathrine Latu shapes as the heir apparent and her accuracy has been nothing short of remarkable this season.
Incumbent goal attack Maria Tutaia has formed a formidable combination with van Dyk and Brown's passing game and vision mean the Silver Ferns can call on four shooters of exceptional quality.
That has not always been the case in the past, with the likes of Paula Griffin and Anna Thompson making up the numbers.
The defensive end also looks strong, with Magic duo Casey Williams and Leana de Bruin joined by Anna Harrison and Katrina Grant.
However, the midcourt has been depleted with the retirement of Temepara George and the unavailability of Liana Leota and Joline Henry.
Laura Langman has been in superb form this year and is tasked with fashioning the makeshift-looking midcourt into a cohesive unit.
She will be joined by Pulse and former Otago midcourter Camilla Lees, who gets a deserved recall.
Circle defender Kayla Cullen has been included in the squad as cover at wing defence, and converted shooter Bailey Mes impressed during the trials and gets the nod at the other end of the midcourt, despite playing just one quarter for the Mystics this season.
"Bailey ... provides us with another option for the Silver Ferns midcourt," Taumaunu said.
The midcourt looks so weak it would not be a great surprise if the athletic Harrison pops up at wing defence and Brown, who occasionally played at wing attack for the Steel this season, also gets a run in the midcourt.
Julianna Naoupu, Grace Rasmussen, Anna Thompson and Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit have been included in the wider training squad.
The Silver Ferns will regroup in a week for the first of two training camps before the Constellation Cup series, which begins in Melbourne on September 16.
Silver Ferns
To play Australia
Irene van Dyk, Maria Tutaia, Cathrine Latu, Jodi Brown, Laura Langman, Camilla Lees, Bailey Mes, Kayla Cullen, Leana de Bruin, Katrina Grant, Anna Harrison, Casey Williams (captain).
