Akermanis will return to Brisbane on the weekend for the third time since he joined the Bulldogs in 2007.
Brown says Akermanis’ foot skills are the equal of any in the game.
“I just know that he’s one of their most important players, if not their most important,” Brown said.
“He’s their leading goalkicker obviously and Aker can change a game in five minutes so we’re going to have to be very careful.”
Brown says Akermanis is relishing playing a new role up forward with the Bulldogs which has extended his career.
“He’s probably more settled in the one position there this year and he’s probably more of a focal point,” Brown said.
“He’s probably not going to get his hands on the footy as much as when he was playing in the midfield but he certainly is damaging when it comes on the scoreboard and setting them up in the forward half of the ground.”
Brown wouldn’t buy into suggestions he may once again be teammates with Akermanis should they both make the All-Australian team.
He’s more worried about containing the small forward’s sharp shooting abilities up forward.
The Bulldogs have won five of their past six matches against the Lions, including three at the Gabba.
“You know around goals that he’s pretty much automatic,” Brown said.
“He’s so accurate, he’s one of the best kicks that’s played the game.”
