Brown will see his specialist on Thursday hoping to be cleared for his first match since suffering multiple facial fractures in the opening round against Fremantle.
But Rockliff said if his teammates and supporters expected the Lions captain to single-handedly carry them to their first victory of the season, they should think again.
"It's going to be 22 contributors on the day. It's not going to be up to Jonathan Brown to get us a win. It's going to take 22 of us and that's the most important thing and that's what we all realise," he said.
"It is disappointing we haven't had a win this season. I don’t think you can put it down to Jonathan Brown as our saviour."
Despite this, Rockliff said it would be great to have the team's centre half-forward and captain back on the field if he was cleared to play.
The Lions have lacked a regular forward target in their 0-7 start to the season and have even moved defenders Daniel Merrett and Matt Maguire up the ground in recent weeks looking for a solution.
"Browny's such a good leader out there, his voice and he directs everyone where to go and set up and as you know he takes big marks and kicks goals and that's what we've been lacking, so it'll be great to have him back," Rockliff said.
"He's training really well and his running has improved and you all know what Browny's like, he's a 110 per cent professional and he's always going to give his best effort and he can't wait to get out there."
Rockliff said rather than blaming Brown's absence for their losing streak, the Lions had moved away from their structures.
He said the intent had been good but they had drifted from their roles.
However Rockliff insisted there was still plenty to be gained from the season.
"I know we've started poorly and it's probably our worst start for a lot of years but we've definitely seen positives. Jesse O"Brien has been a shining light this year and there's been other blokes, (like) Rohan Bewick.
"There's definitely people that have stepped into the team and played their role, so there's plenty of positives still from us so far."
The 21-year-old had his own difficult assignment last week against Essendon, shadowing Bombers captain Jobe Watson.
Rockliff did an outstanding job through the first three quarters before Watson went off with a hamstring injury, restricting the Dons star to 18 disposals.
