The Lions ended their off-season from hell on Tuesday when the players surfaced for their first official training session under new coach Justin Leppitsch at the University of Queensland.
Brown, entering his 15th year in the league, is almost back to full training after a plantar fascia injury threatened to end his career late last season.
He will lead the entire Lions playing list to Arizona on Wednesday as they depart for a two-week altitude training camp, in the first major step under the club's new regime.
Not only was Leppitsch ushered in during the off-season to replace Michael Voss, but the Lions waved goodbye to five young players during the trade period.
They also welcomed a new board headed by chairman Bob Sharpless that includes four-time premiership coach Leigh Matthews after an elongated and very public stoush.
"Whenever there's something new it's always refreshing and guys will be jumping out of their skin trying to impress, even a 15-year veteran like myself," Brown said following his first hit-out.
"It certainly has been a tumultuous off-season with the board and the young players leaving, but that's all been sorted out now and we move into 2014 with a positive vibe around the club.
"I think we're all happy to have left that behind. The players here want to be here, they feel really strongly about the group.
"There's terrific camaraderie and spirit here and I'm only concerned about the guys that are actually here."
Former Richmond recruit Luke McGuane made his first appearance in Lions colours, while newly re-signed swingman Brent Staker was also put through his paces.
Another familiar face was on show, with club great Simon Black switching his playing gear for a coach's uniform after being appointed as an assistant.
Black will work with the Lions' forward line.
Brown said he was looking forward to working with both Leppitsch and Black.
"I've got a good relationship with Leppa and I think he'll do a really good job," Brown said.
"I think he sees the game well, he's really knowledgeable, gets along with the guys really well, so there should be plenty of spirit."
Young forwards Michael Close and Sam Michael, along with energetic half-forward Dayne Zorko, were the most impressive in the club's 2km time trial.
Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting
