If there’s one aspect of Jonathan Brown’s AFL career that’s ever been questioned throughout his 15-year journey, it would be his durability.

Ever since his debut season of AFL in 2000, Brown’s courage, leadership, and ability to influence a contest has been indisputable – but some doubted whether he would enjoy the same longevity as the other all-time great centre half-forwards.

Maybe it was because he’d held down the most physically demanding position on the football field since he was a teenager. Or maybe it was because he often showed careless disregard for his own personal safety.

And then there are the injuries – and Brown has seen more than his fair share.

There’s been multiple knee and facial reconstruction surgeries – not to mention hip, groin, and ankle ailments that combined have kept him sidelined for the better part of three full AFL seasons.

And let’s not forget the time he was hit by a car while riding on the Gold Coast, but came away with just 10 stitches. The car, on the other hand, was written off.

But these injuries have failed to slow Brown down. Instead, they simply add to his ‘indestructible’ legend.

This Thursday night, Brown will line up for his 250th AFL match, officially laying to rest any doubt over his longevity.

He will become just the 13th player in the Lions’ 128-year combined history (including Fitzroy and the Bears) to reach the 250-game milestone, which is a remarkable feat for a man whose body has been battered more than most.

Compared to the greatest centre half-forwards in recent history, Brown has played more games than Garry Lyon (226), Dermott Brereton (211 games), and Billy Brownless (198) – and will likely surpass Stephen Kernahan (251) and Warren Tredrea (255) before he’s finished.

Wayne Carey (272 games), Matthew Richardson (282) and St Kilda Captain Nick Riewoldt (263*) are probably the only others who have played more.

But Brown’s football resume reads better than most of the aforementioned greats – the ‘King’ included.

Below is just a brief glimpse into what the 32-year-old has been able to achieve in his 250 AFL games to date:

• Won three AFL premierships from four Grand Finals

• Won three Merrett-Murray Medals as the Lions’ Best and Fairest player

• Won the John Coleman Medal as the season’s leading goal-kicker

• Spent seven seasons as Lions Captain – the equal third most in Club history behind only  Michael Voss (10) and Kevin Murray (eight)

• Kicked 580 career goals – a Brisbane record and the third most in the Club’s all-time history behind Alastair Lynch (633) and Jack Moriarty (626)

• Led the Lions’ goal-kicking on five occasions – a merged Club record

• Was twice named in the AFL All Australian team

• Captained Victoria in the AFL Hall of Fame Tribute Match in 2008

• Took the AFL Mark of the Year in 2002

Help celebrate ‘Lion King’ Jonathan Brown’s 250th match with some great products including a special one-off guernsey