Browny’s back on Friday night footy!
Lions great Jonathan Brown will make his much-anticipated return to Fox Footy screens on Friday night for the “must-win” finals-defining clash between Collingwood and North Melbourne.
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Brown has eased his way back into action in recent weeks after he underwent surgery earlier this year to remove a low-grade brain tumour.
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The triple-premiership legend is now pumped up and ready for the “business end of the season” in what’s set to be an enthralling run home to shape finals.
Friday night’s game at Marvel Stadium is a mini finals of sorts with huge ramifications for both sides — particularly Alastair Clarkson’s Kangaroos, according to Brown.
North will look to get one over a legit finals calibre side and finally knock off the Magpies, who they haven’t beaten since 2019 including some agonisingly close losses.
“Friday night is a must win for both teams, but especially for North because of the poor percentage,” Brown said.
“They’d be disappointed with their performance last week, late in the game against Port Adelaide, so they’ll be expected to bounce back.
“They’ve put up some good performances against Collingwood at Marvel Stadium in recent times, so it will be a great game.”
Jonathan Brown is back for Friday night footy on Fox!Source: FOX SPORTS
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Brown is a big fan of the extended 10-team wildcard finals series, which some footy fans have been lukewarm to, given it keeps “the season open for longer” and maintains engagement with lower sides.
He’s tipping Nick Daicos to lead Collingwood to one of those wildcard spots and expects the red-hot Blues, who’ve won seven games in a row under caretaker coach Josh Fraser, to also make the top 10.
More importantly, Brown hopes to see Brisbane emulate what his Lions sides did two decades ago and win a third-straight premiership.
“We’re at the business end of the year now and I’m hoping my boys the might Brisbane Lions, can go the three-peat. They’ve certainly looked good the last fortnight,” Brown said.
“Nick Daicos is amazing. Seeing him and watching him at the ground last weekend, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a player run as hard as he does. It was a sight to behold.
“I think Carlton and Collingwood will be making it to the wildcard, just to solidify how good the wildcard round is in everyone’s mind. If you’re a doubter, that’ll seal your vote forever.”
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Brown will finally get to personally hand out his meat tray — supplied by his uncles from Mugavin Beef on a coastal farm in Killarney, Victoria — after Friday night’s clash.
Though Brown admits he’s ‘texted in a couple of times” to give his thoughts on who should take home the meat tray.
It’s already been won by the likes of Tom Barrass, Jack Ginnivan, Aaron Naughton, Oscar Steene, Jeremy Cameron and Jai Newcombe in 2026.
So does Brown have his eyes on any players in particular for Friday night’s game?
“Brayden Maynard probably would have won it the other night, but he’s got to do the same on Friday night,” Brown said. “He’s probably hoping he doesn’t get whacked in the ribs!
“I’ve done a bit of work with Nick Larkey, so he might just try and get in my ear.
“The thing about the meat tray is that it goes to a player that’s earned his tucker on the night. The meat tray is pretty hefty — it weighs a tonne, and there’s some bloody good meat off my uncle’s farm in there.
“It goes to the player that’s not necessarily the best on ground, not the flashiest, it’s the player that earns his tucker.”