BRISBANE Lions captain Jonathan Brown has declared himself fit and ready to play his 200th AFL game against Essendon at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Brown missed the round-20 loss to Adelaide due to knee soreness but underwent a rigorous one-hour session on Thursday afternoon.
Speaking on Friday morning, Brown said he pulled up well and had no intention of taking a cautious approach to sit out the remaining two games of the season.
"I just want to get out there and play footy," Brown said.
"I don't like the thought of putting games off. I cherish every game and when you are available to play you want to play."
Brown said he was proud to join the 200-game club, a milestone he doubted he would reach after battling a stress fracture of the back throughout the 2006 season.
"To get through with the one club and the club I love and grew up barracking for is significant," Brown said.
"I think my body has been able to show a fair bit of resilience over the last four years after a bad two or three-year patch where I missed a lot of games."
Brown said it was significant to reach his milestone against Essendon, a side which brought some of his fondest memories.
The Lions beat the powerful Bombers for their maiden premiership in 2001; the same year in which then-coach Leigh Matthews delivered his 'if it bleeds, you can kill it' dogma.
"Probably my most memorable experience in the 200 games is the 2001 grand final," Brown said.
"We have had some big battles, we've had the no-rules game when James Hird was wearing the helmet on his head and there was a few dust-ups."
Brown said he expected a fierce battle with both sides needing to restore some pride after disappointing seasons.
The respective coaches of both clubs - Michael Voss and Matthew Knights - have come under intense scrutiny for their performances.
"Both playing groups will want to be really digging in and trying to get something out of the season," Brown said.
Meanwhile, Brown has urged full-forward Brendan Fevola to pursue the proper off-season treatment in Brisbane for his injured groin.
Fevola is reportedly at loggerheads with Lions management over whether he can spend his holidays with his family in Melbourne.
Brown said that although some family time was necessary, Fevola needed to get his body right.
"He is going to have to spend some time here in pretty solid rehab, just for his own career's sake," Brown said.
"He has come off a pretty significant injury so the early weeks of rehab are pretty crucial, and if he can get through that first six weeks that will really set him up for next year.
"He is a wonderful speed and power athlete and he relies on that so much in his position that he needs to tick all the boxes in this rehab."
Brown also said he didn't expect sweeping changes from the Lions' internal review into their disappointing season.
"There is just a bit of tinkering that needs to be done," Brown said.
"I've got full confidence in the review process and I think it will be a huge help for Vossy to implement what needs to be implemented."