Senior Coach Justin Leppitsch has hinted that veteran forward Jonathan Brown could spend less time roaming around centre half-forward and more time in the goal square next season.

Brown, who turned 32 last month, is one of the greatest centre half-forwards the game has ever seen, and currently ranks fourth on the Club’s all-time goal-kicking list with 573 goals.

He is almost certain to move past Bernie Quinlan (576 goals) early next season, and could potentially even overtake Alastair Lynch (633 goals) as the Club’s all-time leading goal-kicker should he spend more time closer to goal.

But while Brown’s role may change somewhat in 2014, Leppitsch still expects the three-time Club Champion to work his way up the ground at times.

“The intention is for him to play deeper. Whether that prolongs him or not, it's secondary to the fact it's his role,” Leppitsch told The Courier Mail.

“It's where his best position is. If we have more strapping guys who can get up and down the ground in that half forward role, we will use that strength.

“He will be in the last line, but that last line might be between centre half forward and the midfield. It doesn't mean he can't chase out.

“It doesn't mean he chains himself to the goal umpire.”

As part of the transition, Leppitsch also said that he has already started to discuss the Club’s leadership structure for 2014.

Brown, who has Captained the side since 2007, is expected to step down as Co-Captain and take on an unofficial mentoring role with the side’s younger players.