Even in his 15^th AFL season, Jonathan Brown proved the main spearhead in the Brisbane Lions’ attack, so his retirement will leave a considerable hole for the team up forward.

Brown is still the leading goal-kicker for the Lions this season with 21, followed by Josh Green (16), Dayne Zorko (10), Tom Rockliff (8) and Sam Mayes (8).

Of the other ‘key’ forwards at the Club, Daniel Merrett leads the way with just five goals for the season.

Assistant Coach Simon Black, who is responsible for the forwards, said Brown’s absence will certainly be felt.

“It’s going to leave a big void in our forward line,” Black told LIONS TV as part of the Vero Coaches’ Wrap.

“He’s still been our number one go-to player inside forward 50m.

“It’s sad to see him go, there’s no doubt about that, but it’s going to give other people the opportunity to play forward and hopefully step up.”

Merrett seems the man most likely to take on that full-time spearhead role in Brown’s absence, although Black said developing keys Michael Close and Jackson Paine would also be in the frame.

Fans will get an opportunity to officially farewell Brown when he performs a lap of honour at half time of Saturday night’s match against North Melbourne, and Black encouraged all members and supporters to get along to the Gabba and pay their respects for the champion centre half-forward.

“He’s been such a great servant of the club and such a good guy along the way too,” Black said.

“I’m sure he’ll get a kick out of all the fans coming along and saying farewell to him. So hopefully al lot of people come out and give him the farewell that he deserves.”