Jonathan Brown’s late withdrawal from last Saturday’ night’s clash against the Sydney Swans was simply part of the Club’s plan to manage the spearhead’s workload.

Brown’s body has taken more of a battering than most throughout his 15 AFL seasons, and spent a considerable amount of his most recent pre-season in rehabilitation for a foot complaint.

So the Lions’ coaching and fitness staff always knew that they’d occasionally have to pull the reins on their key big man to ensure he didn’t break down.

Senior Coach Justin Leppitsch said the Swans match was the first, but probably not the last time that the 32-year-old centre half-forward would be rested throughout the season.

“He didn’t pull up that well from last week,” Leppitsch said of Brown post-game.

“We need to look after our 30-plus (players) as much as we do our 18-year-old’s.

“A few weeks ago we probably put him out there when we shouldn’t have, and it wasn’t helpful for him or the team.

“We have to keep making the right calls on that.”