Brown set standard in steely boilover

JONATHAN Brown is going to settle in for today’s clash between the Lions and Hawthorn and while he’s watching, take a trip down memory lane back to one of the greatest non-finals wins of his career.

It is 10 years since Brown steered a young Lions side to an upset victory over the reigning premiers in Launceston. Brisbane was coming off a narrow loss to Carlton and as the side rode into town on a frigid Friday afternoon in June 2009, Brown got up the front of the bus and laid down the law.

His ultimatum to teammates could have gone one of two ways, significantly bolster the kitty for the end-ofseason footy trip or lead to the kind of win that could launch a side into the finals.

“I got up at the front of the bus and said if I hear anyone mention the cold, or how tough this challenge is or anything like that it’s a $50 fine, that’s players, staff, coaches and board, everyone.

“We were a young group that year but pretty tight-knit and I think that really galvanised us and we played accordingly.’’

Brown booted five straight that day to well and truly make amends, but his main memory of the weekend was the sense of belief that was created which he says was the catalyst for their run to that year’s finals — the last time they featured in September.

The Lions led by just five point at the final change before rolling over the Hawks to run out 42-point winners.

“I remember it was tight at three-quarter time and after Vossy had addressed us and left we stayed together in the middle of the ground and we really committed to each other,’’ he said. “I remember the look in their eyes, it gave me comfort leaving that huddle, we felt we were right on the cusp of something and we had a big last quarter.

“There is nothing more difficult in footy than the defending premier on their own turf and Launceston is another level again I reckon.

“You have got to knock over a good side to know you are capable and from that point on I knew we could make September.’’