Lions champion Jonathan Brown holds Power young gun Ollie Wines at bay. Picture: Simon Cross Source: Simon Cross / News Corp Australia
JONATHAN Brown is certain he made the right call to play on this year despite the Brisbane Lions legend's output dropping to its lowest since 2000.
Brown's decision was questioned after he collected just two disposals — both uncontested — from 96 per cent game time against North Melbourne, with AFL great Dermott Brereton revealing he had hoped Brown would retire last year.
But the fan favourite, who had gastro against the Roos, has bounced back with five goals in wins against Carlton and Western Bulldogs since.
"Of course when you're an older player and you decide to keep playing again you're going to get plenty of knockers when you have your odd (down) week," Brown said.
"I'm not moving around like a 21-year-old anymore and I'm certainly not setting the world on fire, but I still try and contribute and I'm feeling pretty good."
Lions coach Justin Leppitsch said he was thrilled Brown had gone on for a 15th season.
"He provides a target for us and allows (Dayne) Zorko, (Josh) Green and (Lewy) Taylor and our high forwards to get into the game."
Brown, 32, is the last link to the Lions' glory days following Simon Black's retirement.
"It's hard to walk away from the game when the fire is still burning inside and I think I've got to empty the tank completely," he said.
"I'm trying to do that at the moment and the body's holding up well and Leppa is doing a fantastic job, he's carrying on the legacy Vossy started."
Brown celebrated his 250th game this year and is eight goals shy of the 600-mark but his average of 11 disposals, four marks and 1.5 goals this year are all the fewest since his debut season
"It's very important to me to (leave with Brisbane on the right track). Unfortunately it hasn't worked out that we were able to rebuild and finish on top for Blacky and myself," he said.
"We've got a really good bunch of younger key forwards at the moment and if I can just help out a little bit I'll be the happiest bloke in a few years' time when these boys hopefully do lift the cup up."
Brown admitted he was unlikely to play every game in the run home and also said he was against the flagged introduction of zones.
"I think they should wind (interchange rotations) right back to wear the players and that'll create a bit more space," the triple-premiership star said.
"If you're going to try and tire the players you've got to make a significant difference, not what they've done this year which is virtually the same rotations as last year."
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