TRAVIS Johnstone says Jonathan Brown is the best player in the AFL, and a huge inspiration.

There's been plenty of debate in recent days about who is the best player in league, but the 27-year-old playmaker says he has no doubt as to who it is, and reckons that Brown's 150th game on Saturday, against the Western Bulldogs at the MCG, will provide even more incentive for the Lions.

"I think it will – he's a huge part of our team, and the club, and I think his 150th will help the whole team get just that little bit extra out," said Johnstone, who has had a stellar season in his first year in Queensland.

"He does so much for the team, so we'd like to reward him with something on such a huge milestone."

Johnstone said he rated the 26-year-old right at the top of the tree.

"Oh, he's amazing. He's probably one of – if not the – best I've been involved with.

"Just everything he does – the way he plays, how selfless he is, and he's just so level-headed with so much media on him.

"I think he's the number-one player in the AFL.

"To have the opportunity to even play with such a great player – as I said, I think he's the number-one player in the AFL, and to do that in my career's pretty lucky."

Since moving to the Sunshine state after parting ways with Melbourne at the end of last season, Johnstone has appeared to have a tumultuous relationship with veteran coach Leigh Matthews, but said the atmosphere was designed to bring the best out of each player.

"I think they draw it out of you to perform. Like all clubs, you've got set team rules, and I think some clubs might be a bit lenient on it sometimes, but up there, if you're not pulling your weight, and you're not doing the right things, you get pulled into line pretty quickly.

"The demands are high, and if you can't achieve those demands – from the leadership group and the coach – there's someone to take your spot that will."