AFL great Jonathan Brown has opened up about the shocking discovery of a brain tumour, describing it as a ticking time bomb in his head. The diagnosis, made public in March, prompted an outpouring of support from the AFL community for the former Brisbane Lions superstar.
Emotional Revelation
Brown, who now commentates for Fox Footy, revealed the news on the program. He said, "Seven weeks ago I was training the house down... I was fit as a fiddle and I was shooting the lights out on the golf course. A day later your life changes. I didn't know, I was walking around with a ticking time bomb in my head." He emphasised that this message applies to everyone, not just ex-footballers.
The 44-year-old, a key member of Brisbane's triple premiership team from 2001 to 2003, became emotional discussing his three children's reactions to his diagnosis. He has two daughters, Olivia (16) and Min (11), and a son, Jack (13).
Family Support
Brown shared that Olivia is stoic like him, while Jack, despite being a rugby league fan, is sensitive. "He came and gave me the biggest cuddle I've ever copped from anyone. He had tears, he just wouldn't let go. He squeezed me that tight he nearly snapped me in half," Brown said. "The worst thing you want to do in your life is break your kid's heart. It felt like you were on the precipice. I tell you what, I was ready to fight when I saw their faces after that."
Surgery and Recovery
Brown has undergone surgery to remove the tumour and is expected to return to work within weeks. In March, he said a routine scan revealed a shadow on his brain, which turned out to be a low-grade brain tumour. He underwent surgery with a positive outcome and asked for privacy to rest and recover.
Career and Concussions
Brown played 256 games for the Lions, was a two-time All-Australian, led Brisbane's goalkicking five times, and captained the side for four seasons. He retired in 2014 after multiple concussions and facial injuries, having had 15 plates and 64 screws in his face and about 20 concussions. He also dealt with headaches and balance issues.
7NEWS.com.au does not suggest a link between concussions and his brain tumour. However, head knocks defined the latter stages of his career as he bravely played on for a struggling Brisbane side.
His last concussion came from a knee to the head in an accidental collision with GWS player Tom Bugg. Despite urgings from friends and coach Leigh Matthews to retire, the decision came after asking his then four-year-old daughter Olivia if he should keep playing. She replied, "No, you can't play footy anymore. You can only play footy if the Lions come down and play on the grass with us at our place." Brown acknowledged that he was still forgetting things, had headaches, and balance problems.
Brisbane doctor Paul McConnell once feared for Brown's life after a friendly-fire concussion in 2011. "I honestly thought he was going to die. Thankfully an ambulance arrived very quickly. He didn't move at all until we started moving away from the Gabba," McConnell said. "I would say he was totally and utterly unconscious for at least five minutes, maybe six or seven. It was one of the worst injuries I have seen in my life. In all honesty I wasn't confident that he was going to survive until he started moving his limbs as we were driving up the ramp into the Princess Alexandra Hospital."
