Brown had the privilege of serving under some of the absolute greats during his development years - including Leigh Matthews, Michael Voss, Alastair Lynch, Justin Leppitsch, Nigel Lappin, Marcus Ashcroft and the Scott brothers.
No young player could have been afforded a better footballing apprenticeship.
Now, more than a decade later, Brown stands as arguably the most inspirational leader in the game - as evidenced by the fact his AFL peers have voted him twice as the competition’s Best Captain (in 2007 and 2009) and three times as the Most Courageous Player (in 2007, 2008 and 2011).
Having first been appointed as Club Co-Captain following Voss’ retirement at the end of 2006, he is now set to lead his team out for the 100th time this Sunday afternoon against West Coast at the Gabba.
Brown says it’s now his responsibility to set a good example for the younger Lions players - just like his former team-mates did for him.
“I’m proud to be able to Captain the Club for 100 games, that’s for sure, and I love leading the boys out every week,” Brown said.
“As an experience player and as a Captain, I’ve got to try and pass on my knowledge to our younger brigade and help guide them through their transition into AFL football.”
“I’ve got to pass on as much as I possibly can - that’s where I see my role at the moment.”
Brown, who is currently in his sixth year as Captain, sits among some of the Club’s all-time great leaders in terms of seasons spent as skipper.
Only Voss (10 years as Captain), Kevin Murray (eight) and Roger Merrett (seven) has enjoyed longer tenures at the head of team.
Most Years as Captain
10 - Michael Voss (Lions), 1997-2006
8 - Kevin Murray (Fitzroy), 1963-64 and 1967-72
7 - Roger Merrett (Bears), 1990-96
6 - Jack Worrall (Fitzroy), 1886-87 and 1889-92
6 - Fred Hughson (Fitzroy), 1942-47
6 - Allan Ruthven (Fitzroy), 1948 and 1950-54
6 - Paul Roos (Fitzroy), 1988-90 and 1992-94
6 - Jonathan Brown (Lions), 2007-2012
5 - John Murphy (Fitzroy), 1973-77
