THE BRISBANE Lions have confirmed that captain Jonathan Brown will miss the rest of the season.

Brown was released from hospital on Tuesday following successful surgery on facial injuries suffered in Sunday's collision with teammate Mitch Clark and Geelong's Harry Taylor.

The surgery involved the removal and replacement of a small plate that had been inserted over his jaw following his round-one collision with Luke McPharlin.

A number of small fractures in Brown's jaw were also identified, but the club's medical advice suggested they would heal on their own over the next few months and he would make a full recovery.
 
Lions football manager Dean Warren said Brown would now set himself for a big pre-season.
 
"While it's disappointing that Jonathan will not be playing again this year, he'll enter the pre-season with his body in a healthy state, which is something he hasn't been able to do for quite some time," Warren said.
 
"Jonathan's long-term health and well-being has been the club's primary concern and he'll have the best support to ensure that when he does return he'll be in the best possible shape."

While debate rages over whether Brown was courageous or reckless in his attempt to run with the flight of the ball and mark on Sunday, teammates have come to his defence.

Midfielder Daniel Rich said that kind of act made him the player he is.

"That's why he's been voted the best skipper a couple of times by other players and other captains and coaches, so I don't think he should change the way he plays," Rich said.

"The boys love it and to see that kind of thing, even though he did get hurt, sums up the guy and player he is."

Ruckman Matthew Leuenberger agreed, saying Brown should continue with his style of play.

"He's been playing for about 12 years now and this is the first time anything [like this] has happened, so I wouldn't suggest he change the way he plays."