In a career spanning 15 years, Brown was a three-time premiership player by the age of 22. But his best days were surely ahead of him. Standing at 194 centimetres, and weighing in at a touch over 100kgs, he was a nightmare for all backmen. He became a modern day great whilst exemplifying an old-school style of football rarely seen in today's game. He had an intimidation factor rarely seen these days and his pride of young Lions lifted with each and every one of his brave acts.
His dominance over the competition was evident during the Brownlow medal count in 2006. After 10 rounds he held the lead with 13 votes over eventual winner Adam Goodes, including three best on ground performances, before injury cut his season short. Unfortunately injury will be a defining factor of Brown's career, and it's disappointing that it has eventually caused his retirement. Despite the injuries, he finishes his career with an impressive 594 goals over an amazing 256 games. A two time All-Australian, three-time best and fairest winner at the Lions and in 2007 he led all comers to win the Coleman medal.
His dominance over the competition was evident during the Brownlow medal count in 2006. After 10 rounds he held the lead with 13 votes over eventual winner Adam Goodes, including three best on ground performances, before injury cut his season short. Unfortunately injury will be a defining factor of Brown's career, and it's disappointing that it has eventually caused his retirement. Despite the injuries, he finishes his career with an impressive 594 goals over an amazing 256 games. A two time All-Australian, three-time best and fairest winner at the Lions and in 2007 he led all comers to win the Coleman medal.
I could easily go on about the long list of achievements Brown has accomplished over his stellar career, but he's more than just a great player. What makes Brown on of my most loved and respected players is not his long list of on-field achievements, it is his inconceivable courage, as well as the way he personifies the stereotypical 'great Aussie bloke' with his laid back personality.
He is the definition of a man's man.
He loves a 'few' sneaky beer while betting on the dishlickers. He's never sported a designer hairstyle, and he'll never be seen in the confidential pages of any newspaper. Despite his love for a froth or two he has never found himself in any hot water unlike many other AFL stars. Hawthorn star Luke Hodge once attempted to go drink for drink with the big man during the off season, and when asked how he went his response was;
"not good... he's a powerhouse - on and off the field."
Brown's numerous appearances on the Footy Show have highlighted his quick wit, and laid back, yet no nonsense personality. It is this that has made him the perfect ambassador for AFL in a rugby dominated state. You could argue that without his presence the recent difficult years at the Lions since their dominance in the early 2000's could have been far worse. He's the kind of player who brings people to the footy.
He loves a 'few' sneaky beer while betting on the dishlickers. He's never sported a designer hairstyle, and he'll never be seen in the confidential pages of any newspaper. Despite his love for a froth or two he has never found himself in any hot water unlike many other AFL stars. Hawthorn star Luke Hodge once attempted to go drink for drink with the big man during the off season, and when asked how he went his response was;
"not good... he's a powerhouse - on and off the field."
Brown's numerous appearances on the Footy Show have highlighted his quick wit, and laid back, yet no nonsense personality. It is this that has made him the perfect ambassador for AFL in a rugby dominated state. You could argue that without his presence the recent difficult years at the Lions since their dominance in the early 2000's could have been far worse. He's the kind of player who brings people to the footy.
His on-field acts magnify his league wide respect. Never has a man made a courageous grab followed by a 60 metre bomb look more nonchalant. Backing back into a pack should be a natural characteristic for anyone, yet it became second nature for Brown. I will personally never forget his Mark of The Year in 2002.
Running back with the flight into a huge pack of players coming just as quickly in the opposite direction, Brown's eyes never left the footy for even a brief second. Any other player would have stopped short and waited for the ball to spill, hoping to get a cheap kick. But Brown isn't just any other player.
The modern game will probably never see another Jonathan Brown. Simply because the game is changing to more mobile, running forwards rather than the powerful, brute of human that Brown was.
This is a tragedy, but it just makes Brown an even more special player.
This is a tragedy, but it just makes Brown an even more special player.
What Brown has done for football in general is enormous, and as many greats of the game have said, he doesn't owe his club, let alone the game anything. His body has suffered enough, and it's time to farewell the big boy from country Victoria. It's been a privilege watching him strut his stuff over the years, and the Lions will not be the same without him.
I'll leave you with an open message to one of my all-time favourites;
Browny,
I feel I can safely speak for the entire AFL community when I say that we will miss seeing you crashing packs and slotting them through the big sticks. Congratulations on an absolutely outstanding career. You will always be a true legend of the game and your charisma will be missed.
I wish you all the best for your future, enjoy the time with your family, but please don't be a stranger to the football world. I hope for my sake that we get a chance to share a beer together in the future.
I feel I can safely speak for the entire AFL community when I say that we will miss seeing you crashing packs and slotting them through the big sticks. Congratulations on an absolutely outstanding career. You will always be a true legend of the game and your charisma will be missed.
I wish you all the best for your future, enjoy the time with your family, but please don't be a stranger to the football world. I hope for my sake that we get a chance to share a beer together in the future.
Until then, thanks for the memories and I'll knock the froth of a few in your honour tonight!
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