Brisbane captain Jonathan Brown believes better days are not far away

 JONATHAN Brown admits he could be playing better, but those who think he may be a declining force, should do so at their own peril.

Jonathan Brown

JONATHAN Brown is the first to admit he could be playing better.

Coming off an unhappy night against the Gold Coast last weekend, the AFL superstar today returns to the scene of one of the quietest games of his stellar career when West Coast hosts the Brisbane Lions at Perth's Patersons Stadium.

Brown had just three touches in Brisbane's 29-point loss to Fremantle there in Round 3 this year.

But those who think Brown may be a declining force, should do so at their own peril.

"It's been a challenge at times this year and I've shown some glimpses along the way but there's no doubt I'd certainly like to be in better form," Brown said.

"I'm training hard and getting through the games and I'm sure if I keep doing that, things will click sooner rather than later."

In Brown's defence, Brisbane had only 20 inside 50 entries against the Dockers, while he was not the only player to have an indifferent night at Metricon Stadium last Saturday.

Heavy showers pre-game, close attention from defenders, umpires turning a blind eye to legitimate free kicks and poor service from his midfield conspired against the Lions skipper.

"To be honest it was one of the ugliest games I remember being involved in, as a spectator it would have been difficult to watch. When you are thinking that, it must be ordinary," Brown said of the clas with Gold Coast.

"Hopefully, this week we'll get good direct play from our half-backs and midfield and there will be space to work in so we get those one-on-one contests that we're after.

"But it's not about goals for me at the moment. It's about getting my marks and linking with the likes of Daniel Merrett so they can get good deep shots at goal."

Much like his fellow centre half-forward guns Lance Franklin, Matthew Pavlich and Nick Riewoldt, Brown is pushing further and further up the ground. Key forwards plonking themselves in the goalsquare all game is a thing of the past.

Brown's role has evolved more than it has diminished. Lions coach Michael Voss said Brown's job description had changed in 2012.

"He's doing what we need him to do as our captain and as one of our most important players. As we get better as a group, he'll get better too," Voss said.

"People have to remember he's performing a different role than that of four or five years ago. He's determined not to be the sole focal point in attack. For the group to grow, we need more goalkickers. But his influence is still enormous on this group. I am happy with his output this year."

One man who will never underestimate Brown's powers is West Coast superstar Dean Cox.

"Brownie deserves the utmost respect. He is still playing good football and is still capable of turning a game," Cox said.