As a member of the last Collingwood side to beat Brisbane at the Gabba way back in 1995, Brown knows all too well how big the opportunity is for this current group of Magpies to break the streak.
Sitting at five wins after eight rounds, the Magpies not only have a great chance to end their Gabba hoodoo, but also cement their spot in the top eight at this early stage of the season, and one player who will bolster the club’s chances is returning forward Paul Medhurst.
“He’s a very talented player and unfortunately he got injured a little while back. It’s taken him a few weeks to get right but he’s raring to go now and there’s no doubt he’ll give us some extra firepower up forward,” Brown told collingwoodfc.com.au.
Brown, a member of the 1990 premiership side and a player regarded as one of the most courageous ever to pull on the black and white stripes, was glowing in his praise for Brodie Holland, who will this week notch his 150th game of AFL football.
“I’ve got a lot of admiration for Brodie, the way he’s turned himself around and the way he goes about his footy more particularly.
“He’s a true professional, gets the best out of himself, trains hard, looks after himself, he’s tenacious, I’ve got a lot of time for him.”
It’s been 12 long years since the Magpies beat the Lions on their home patch, but Brown said the club is confident of coming out on top, and was asked how he thinks the club will fare.
“Well hopefully the same as we did that night (back in 1995). I think Brisbane play very well at home, we’re pretty mindful of that.
“There’s no doubt they are a tough, physical side, and we’ve improved in that area ourselves, so it’s going to be a great clash.”
