It might not have been the AFL’s annual ANZAC showpiece event, but the Brisbane Lions’ Round 6 clash against St Kilda in Wellington, New Zealand, was probably about as close as Jonathan Brown was going to get to that sort of tribute without actually representing either Collingwood or Essendon.

The occasion also marked the first time that the Lions had played for premiership points overseas – and their first win of the 2014 season – ensuring that Brown’s 251st senior game was just as memorable as his milestone match from the previous week.

In the third instalment of Lions TV’s exclusive documentary “Browny – The People’s Champion”, Brown told of how special it was to be play on such a unique stage on ANZAC Day.

“It was a very emotional time for a lot of people – a very reflective time,” Brown told Lions TV.

“To observe that minute’s silence and go through that ceremony was quite moving and certainly put into perspective the game of football compared to these guys going out and putting their lives on the line.

“To put your body on the line in a game of football was certainly a lot easier than what those guys did.

“It was great to be able to honour them with the ANZAC Day jumper. And there was a lot riding on it – we wanted to get our first win of the year.”

Brown went on to play a key role in the Lions’ narrow victory over the Saints, booting two goals, and shepherding a further two through late in the game.