Struggle each week for BrownAndrew Hamilton | August 12, 2008
LEIGH Matthews has praised Jonathan Brown's courage, revealing the weekly battle the Brisbane Lions' co-captain fights just to play. Brown's already heavily modified training regimen has been scrapped in the past month and he rarely does more than kicking practice once a week as the Lions try to ensure he can play out the season.
He endures prolonged ice bath sessions and spends hours on the physiotherapy and massage bench and in the hyperbaric chamber.
It is also understood he has three painkilling injections before he runs out on the ground.
The club is tight-lipped on the exact nature of Brown's problem, but Matthews said he was nowhere near full fitness.
"I can't remember the last time he was," Matthews said. "He's showing enormous courage to get out there, Brownie. He has got a lot of things that he is coping with.
"Anyone who goes to training can see he just can't get out there. He is barely getting on the field week to week and it is difficult when you do that because you de-train a little bit."
Brown had a quiet day against Hawthorn in Launceston on Saturday, but his efforts this season have been exceptional.
His ability to cover the ground, accelerate and change direction has appeared to be greatly reduced.
It is no secret he has a wonky knee, but there is also a suggestion Brown aggravated a long-running back complaint in a collision with Essendon ruckman David Hille in Round 15.
He has kicked 63 goals, the fifth most in the competition, and can still pass the career-high 77 that earned him last year's Coleman Medal.
Matthews yesterday paid tribute to his performances and pondered just how good the triple premiership player could be if he was able to complete a season injury free.
"Just playing weekends and getting up in time for the following weekend makes it very tough to play anywhere near the level you are capable," Matthews said.
"It has been a bit normal for him. He will play all the games by the look of it and he played most of the games last year, but it is very rare he is able to train because his body does take a pounding."
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,24164925-19742,00.htmlI hope we don't touch this guy, unless Matthews is just trying to scare off other teams.