Jonathan Brown must move to full forward

Yes, that's a good point, Gecko. There's been a huge increase in total possessions per game in the last ten years, and you're probably right that the factors you've described are the biggest reason for the change in small forward numbers. Interesting stuff.

Thanks TomC. Fair observation that 'small forwards are now expected to cover more ground and help out the midfield more than they used to". This is probably one reason for the increased numbers. Another reason is perhaps that the high pressure game nowadays means players don't hold onto the ball for long (the bounce is almost a forgotten art) so the average possession count for an AFL player in almost any position is higher nowadays. In this respect, the role of almost every position - not just the small forward - has changed in recent years. In fact, one might equally say "there are still a few of these low output backmen around... but .... I suspect soon they’ll be gone altogether." Alwyn Davey at one end and Aaron Davey at the other end could probably attest to these trends. Cheers.

Well, whatever I'm saying is never very profound, Gecko. Defensive pressure is more important certainly, but even more than that small forwards are now expected to do more around the ground. In 2003 it wasn't uncommon for small forwards like McRae, O'Loughlin, Harding, Schneider, Milne and Phil Matera to average 10 possessions or fewer and not have their spot threatened as long as they kicked a reasonable number of goals. Ten years later in 2013 the equivalent players, like Breust or Walters, averaged more like 15 possessions, not far from midfield numbers. There are still a few of these low output forwards around, like Josh Hill, Jamie Elliott, Eddie Betts and Ash McGrath, but they're more likely to be fighting for their spot in the 22. I suspect soon they'll be gone altogether. Jeff Garlett may end up being one of the last of them. I think these increased numbers reflect that small forwards are now expected to cover more ground and help out the midfield more than they used to.

TomC that's an interesting new theory re the changing role of the crumber. Could you elaborate for me and the many small forwards (Rioli, Breust etc) who still think the best place for them to get a kick is "at the feet of the tall forwards.?" Are you just saying that small forwards nowadays need to do a lot more defensive stuff too, or are you saying something more profound?

See, the problem with the pack-crashing idea is that it requires quite a bit of mobility as well. You have to be able to get to contests. There were games last season where Brisbane kept turning the ball over in midfield and Brown simply couldn't get himself far enough up the ground to stop the opposition marking. And similarly to the full-forward role, the role of the crumber is changing too. They can't stay at the feet of the tall forwards. Sadly, Brown's abilities are declining at the same time the game is evolving past him. I'm sure if Brisbane had more proven tall forward options he'd have hung up the boots by now.

Franko and TomC above are correct about the tougher requirements for full forwards nowadays. But it's full forward or nowhere for Brown in 2014. His running is even more of a liability anywhere else on the ground. He won't take a lot of marks at full forward but could still be good value crashing packs and bringing the ball to ground. And his football smarts to knock on and give quick handballs is ahead of Nick Riewoldt's (on a par with Pavlich and Goodes). Ultimately, his value in 2014 may depend on whether Brisbane finds some good crumbers.

Agreed. Judy doesn't comment often, but always makes common sense when she does.

Top post, Judy.

Brown has been doing the tough stuff up forward for a long time with usually a couple of defenders tackling him .Very rarely does he get free space as the opposition know if he gets the ball its likely a goal will come from it.This year he needs fellow players to show they can goal to take the opposition away from him when possible. Even as a mature player he is a big part of Brisbane and the fans love him the same way they love Black and Vossy.I personally hope he has a great year. Not being captain might take pressure off him so he can concentrate on playing. A pleasure to watch.

When Brown plays he still draws the best defender so we need to get more goals from our second and third talls. Let's hope we don't see our full back have to go forward and show them up!

Yep. Full forward doesn't mean what it used to. It's more accurate to talk about tall forwards playing at degrees of depth. The problem for the Lions is that Brown cannot run and chase, and struggles to cover large distances on his dodgy foot. His field kicking is one of his biggest strengths, and that's hardly going to be a factor if he stays within 30m of goal. I'm sure he'll kick a few goals in 2014 just through strength, positioning and awareness, but the point where his limitations outweigh his usefulness to the team is quickly approaching.

Great player but he looks like he has bashed his body from pillar to post one to many times, he should make this his last season and go out on top not a has been.

The days of 'resting' a bloke in the goal square are over. When Brisbane have the ball it is fine to get JB to push to the square, but they'll get killed on the rebound if he is not able to chase. Back when Ablett played, things were a little different.

the man is the key to the Lions chance, I will rate them a chance of pushing for the eight but the big man has gotta stand up and kick some goals at full forward, if he gets injured the forward line seems headless without him and although they can surprise people at times, generally with him in the forward line things become dangerous.