Browning was a versatile key position player from Mingenew and started out at East Fremantle as a full-forward. A Lynn Medalist in 1984, he was easily the most prominent forward in the 1985 WAFL Grand Final, with six goals, to help East Fremantle defeat Subiaco. The following year, Browning was recruited to Hawthorn but could not break into the team and returned home.
Despite being aged 27, Browning was signed by West Coast in 1989 and finally got his chance to play VFL football. He had just eight disposals on debut against North Melbourne but kicked two goals the following round against Brisbane at Carrara. After playing in a loss to Fitzroy, Browning didn't return for five weeks, when he kicked two goals at Subiaco Oval against Collingwood.
After being delisted, he continued his WAFL career but mostly in the new role of full-back, a position in which he starred in the 1992 premiership team and won the Simpson Medal. He represented Western Australia at interstate football on three occasions.
South Australia 30.18 (198) defeated Western Australia 16.15 (111), at Subiaco Oval, 15 June 1985
Victoria 19.16 (130) defeated Western Australia 9.11 (65), at Subiaco Oval, 16 July 1985
South Australia 18.16 (124) defeated Western Australia 9.9 (63), at WACA, 16 June 1987
Victoria 16.20 (116) defeated Western Australia 13.14 (92), at Subiaco Oval, 22 July 1987