Brown has been the Lions’ leading goal-kicking in five of the past seven seasons – a merged Club record – and would be favoured to make it six in 2014.
But with the powerhouse centre-half forward nearing the end of his playing days, fans are eagerly anticipating who might one day replace him as the team’s primary spearhead up forward.
Fortunately, there is no shortage of potential candidates at the Club.
At 23 and with 18 senior AFL games behind him, Jordan Lisle (195cm) looks primed to take that next step, while 19-year-olds Michael Close (196cm) and Jonathan Freeman (198cm) probably need some more time and development before assuming that mantle.
Off-season recruits Luke McGuane (26, 192cm) and Jackson Paine (20, 192cm) are also capable of holding down a key forward role, with McGuane particularly eye-catching so far this pre-season.
Stefan Martin, Brent Staker, Sam Michael and Jordon Bourke are also familiar with playing up forward, but are currently being groomed to fill other roles.
With Brown unlikely to take part in any of the Lions’ NAB Challenge practice matches, Captain Jed Adcock says the door is open for one of the aforementioned players to stake claim to one of the key forward positions for Round 1.
“We’ve got quite a few young talls coming through. They’re going to be fighting for positions, depending on where Browny is at for Round 1,” Adcock said.
“Jordy Lisle kicked five the other day and Luke McGuane also kicked five in an intra-club.
“We’ve still got some older players, but you expect these younger tall forwards to get a game in the NAB Challenge. They’ll have a chance to shine and show everyone what they’ve got.”
