Jonathan Brown

Former Australian Rules footballer Jonathan Brown was the captain of the Brisbane Lions from 2007 to 2013 and was a three-time Premiership player, Brisbane Lions Club Champion, and dual All-Australian and Coleman Medallist before his retirement in 2014.

Known for his courage, strength and imposing style of play, Jonathan is regarded as one of the best power forwards of the last decade and was one of the game’s most dominant players. His strength, skill and aggression on the field earned him the respect and admiration of the entire football community.

An inspiring speaker, Jonathan talks about his career, motivation, leadership and teamwork and what it takes to ‘be the best’.

Jonathan is now a member of the Fox Sports team as a commentator on Fox Footy. He also has associations with major brands Toyota, Tatts, the Herald Sun, CUB, Four’n’Twenty and NovaFM.

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The son of former Fitzroy player Brian, Jonathan grew up in Warrnambool and played TAC Cup for the Geelong Falcons. A Vic Country representative at Under 16 and Under 18 level before being drafted as a Father-Son selection to the Lions in 1999.

In 2000, Jonathan made his debut against the Adelaide Crows and saw finals action in his first year as a Lion. A year later, he became an AFL Premiership player a month shy of his 20th birthday, as the Lions secured a history-making Premiership win. He announced his arrival with seven goals against Geelong at the Gabba, drawing immediate comparison with the best forward in the game at the time, Wayne Carey.

A second Premiership medal came Jonathan’s way in the 2002 before he produced a superb finals series in 2003, being best afield in the Preliminary Final as the Lions marched to a third straight title.

Not yet 22, he had stamped himself as one of the game’s most dominant forces. Injury and suspension curtailed his presence in 2005-06 but it was evident that his best was still ahead of him.

From 2007-2010 Jonathan showed exactly what he was made of kicking 77 goals and in 2007 to win the Coleman Medal, 70 in 2008, 85 in 2009 and 50 in 2010. With the retirement of Michael Voss, Brown was made Co-Captain in 2007 before taking on the job in his own right in 2009.

Brown’s standing among his peers speaks volumes – he has won both the AFLPA Best Captain and Most Courageous Player awards on multiple occasions.

After a number of serious injuries, and on medical advice, Jonathan finally hung up his boots in June 2014 after a glittering 15-year career.

Jonathan Brown’s playing style, presence and country boy nature has made him hugely popular with fans across the game, both on and off the field.