Jonathan Brown might have come under some criticism in the Melbourne media last week, but there’s no doubting his output is greatly appreciated by those whose opinions matter most – his Brisbane Lions teammates and coaches.

Dermott Brereton, an unabashed Brown fan, commented last week that he believed the three-time premiership star probably should have hung up the boots at the end of last year.

But Dayne Zorko strongly disagreed, telling SEN Radio on Monday morning that his former skipper remains an integral part of the Lions’ team.  

“I think his presence, particularly for our young guys, is invaluable,” Zorko told SEN.

“Leppa said it after the game, he might not kick big bags of goals, but his ability to consistently get to contests and bring the ball to ground is so valuable to the side.”

Brown’s presence was telling during the Lions’ second win of the season last Saturday night against Carlton at the Gabba.

He booted a team-high three goals to take his season tally to 17 – five more than any other Lions player – and helped lift his side to a come-from-behind victory.

There’s no question that the 32-year-old is slowing down – that’s bound to happen after 15 seasons and 250-plus senior matches – but his impact is still significant.

You need only look at how the team has fared when he’s either not played or has been underdone.

Brown was rested as part of his ongoing maintenance in Round 7 against Sydney at the Gabba, and the Lions managed just 6.8 in a 79-point thrashing at the hand of the Swans.

He was expected to miss the Round 9 match against North Melbourne as well due to soreness, before illness struck the Lions camp and he was called upon to play at the last minute.

A severely hampered Brown managed only a couple of kicks against the Kangaroos, who limited the Lions to their lowest score of the season – 6.2 – in another comprehensive defeat.

With a number of young key forwards at the Club, Brown continues to absorb most of the attention from opposition defenders in a bid to give his budding protégés a chance to develop.