Of course, she now has much life experience to add to the zeal she first brought to elite netball four years ago.
What she really means is quite literal after life-changing laser eye surgery in 2017 transformed her from an effective wing attack into one of Suncorp Super Netball’s most influential midcourters.
“I wish I’d done it earlier. I feel like I have new eyes,” Browne said ahead of Sunday’s confrontation between the Magpies and the Giants at Sydney’s Quay Centre.
It’s difficult imagining Browne being anything other than the vivacious midcourt dynamo she has become at national and international level.
Before corrective surgery, Browne had minus 5.75 vision, a condition that affected more than just her netball.
She could see little, let alone a netball flying towards her face, and the unease about losing contact lenses at key moments eroded her confidence.
Aware of the slight risk of further complications, Browne proceeded with surgery and hasn’t looked back.
“My eyes kept deteriorating and they were only going to get worse,” she said.
“There was a risk, but eyes are so important for my career.
“I knew I needed it done for quality of life and it’s eradicated any worries I had about my eyes.”
The 27-year-old was too humble to agree the procedure was the catalyst that launched her into the Australian Diamonds.
She had already won a premiership with the Sunshine Coast Lightning before the surgery but was not yet at the head of the line for national selection.
There is no doubting, however, that 2018 was a breakthrough year during which she won another Super Netball title and made her international debut during that year’s Quad Series.
“Do I think there’s a correlation? Maybe,” she said.
“I definitely think it’s enhanced the way I play but along with that I also started doing a bit extra in the gym.”
Browne’s battle on Sunday with the Giants’ Jamie-Lee Price will be a critical one for Collingwood.
Just as pivotal will be the leadership provided by Browne and captain Geva Mentor after Madi Browne’s season-ending knee surgery.
It was a sign of Kelsey’s rising stature that she was appointed vice-captain in a team that also contained Nat Medhurst and Ash Brazill, both of whom captained West Coast Fever.
Now with four seasons’ experience, Browne has more to offer than speed, energy and clean hands, and her cool head was on show when the Magpies fought back from nine goals down to draw with the Queensland Firebirds.
It also helps that sister and sidelined co-captain Madi has returned to the club to add an encouraging voice and sharp eye to Collingwood’s preparation.
“I don’t want to let her down,” Kelsey said. “Madi gives me a few pointers and vice versa. She’s a very smart netballer and we do think alike.
“Before this year I didn’t feel like I was in a position to give as much but the two years I had at Lightning has given me more tools in my bag.
“I feel like it’s my time to step up.”
