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Brown’s 200th in doubt

By Mr Dandalooa

Brisbane skipper Jonathan Brown could delay playing his 200th AFL match when the Lions take on the Crows at the Gabba on Sunday after knee injury to the champion forward.

Although Brown was named in the squad this afternoon, the big man will have to pass a fitness test on Saturday if he is to get a Guernsey to play.

Brown suffered a knee injury in the last-minute victory over the West Coast Eagles last Saturday, when he kicked his team to victory after a controversial umpire decision.

Lions coach Michael Voss said it was not a “fait accompli” that Brown would be able to play, but the skipper would be given every opportunity to prove his fitness to bring up the milestone in front of his adoring fans.

Brown’s milestone comes towards the end of a wretched season for the Lions, who after a strong start have slumped to sit third-last on the competition ladder.

The three-time club best and fairest winner made his debut at the club in 2000 and played in all three of the Lions’ premiership sides from 2001 to 2003.

The Lions have named their preliminary 25-man squad with Travis Johnstone, James Polkinghorne and Tom Collier all included on an extended interchange bench while the rest of the team remains the same as last week.

Johnstone and Collier have been elevated from the Lions reserves side while Polkinghorne returns after missing the past two matches with a corked thigh.

Brown has been named at full-forward and remains a chance to line up for his 200th AFL match.

Brown - who booted the match-winning goal against the Eagles last week - pulled up sore after the teams trip back from Perth and was believed to be in some doubt.

The skipper has since shown some improvement but will still need to prove his fitness before taking to the field against the Crows.

The list will be trimmed to the final team of 22 players at 5pm on Friday.