The Steel announced its decision not to renew Brown's contract yesterday. While Brown was shocked by the decision, she also understood the reasoning and was trying to remain positive.
''The way it was explained to me is they want to go in a new direction and nurture some of the young players and give them opportunities,'' Brown (33) said.
''While it is disappointing, I can understand that.''
''I still feel like I do have plenty to offer netball, whether that is in a playing role or any other role.''
The irony is Brown felt this year had been the best of her three seasons with the Steel. She was as fit as she has ever been in her career and it has showed on court.
While a very serviceable shooter, it is her passing game and ability to create play which saw her included in the Silver Ferns Commonwealth Games squad. And her combination with Steel shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Reid during the past two seasons has been magnificent. Her leadership will also be missed - she has captained the side since 2012.
''Unfortunately, these things happen in sport. I just wasn't part of the picture for next year.
''It is still a bit raw at the moment but I think I'll just have to wait and see if anyone else wants me. I've had a few days to digest the news and while I still think about it just about every free moment I get, I've got a job to do.
''We're away on Sunday for the Commonwealth Games and that has to be my focus at the moment and making sure that that journey is successful for us.''
Steel chief executive Sue Clarke said the decision not to renew Brown's contract simply came down to the franchise needing to create pathways.
''We need to have succession plans in place to ensure our franchise continues to thrive and that includes identifying opportunities for players to step up to the plate,'' she said.
''Jodi has been an integral member of our team who has made a significant contribution over the last three years. In sport, tough decisions must be made - and this was a difficult one.''
Difficult, yes, but even more awkward. Brown's sister-in-law Janine Southby also happens to be the Steel coach. The franchise might take care of the contracting process, but it is Southby who decides which players to keep, chase or, in this case, axe.
''I actually have not had a conversation with her,'' Brown said.
''It came from the CEO.''
''It is a unique situation in terms of the relationship that we have. But throughout the three years I've been with the Steel it has always been at netball time she is my coach and it has been a coach-player relationship. When we have family time, it has been family time. So there has been no blurred lines for us.''
Back-up shooter Te Paea Selby-Rickit looks set to benefit the most from the Steel's change of direction. While she is yet to re-sign with the franchise, the way has been cleared.
Brown may pop up at the Pulse next season as a replacement for Donna Wilkins. It is the ''logical'' team to approach.
''I certainly haven't had any conversations with them because I was focused on the Steel and thought I was going to be playing for them. But I just want to concentrate on the Commonwealth Games at the moment and then make an assessment after that as to where is the best place to go.''
It seems an absurd situation to have a current Silver Fern not wanted by her franchise. Part of the problem rests with the fact three of the five New Zealand franchises, including the Steel, opted for an import at goal shoot. That leaves players such as Selby-Rickit facing an enormous struggle to get any game time.
The risk was she would leave the Steel for the promise of game time elsewhere and the resources the Steel put into her development would have been wasted. In that sense, the decision to let Brown go is a vote of confidence in Selby-Rickit's potential. It is a big call and time will tell whether it was the right decision.