Jonathan Brown tells cubs: stay strong for pride

LIONS captain Jonathan Brown says last Sunday's thrashing of the Western Bulldogs was the club's best performance in years.

Jonathan Brown

BRISBANE Lions captain Jonathan Brown says the thrashing of the Western Bulldogs last Sunday was the club's best performance in years and all the more special because it was the their young cubs who led the way.

But Lions young gun Tom Rockliff said the 58-point victory would count for little if the club could not back it up against Melbourne at the Gabba on Sunday.

Rockliff, Jack Redden, Dayne Zorko, Daniel Rich, Pearce Hanley, Mitch Golby and Ryan Harwood providing eye-catching efforts alongside Brown and fellow veterans Ash McGrath, Daniel Merrett and Simon Black.

"The young blokes got a lot of self-belief out of that West Coast win," Brown said.

"It has been pretty pivotal for us. History tells you that you have to get 50 games plus into the kids and we are starting to reap the rewards of that with a better spread of goalkickers and more contributors - both young and old."

Rockliff was superb and a clear best-on-ground with 40 disposals, 18 contested possessions, five clearances and two goals, but Lions coach Michael Voss singled Brown out in the post-match team meeting for his selfless display.

Brown did not kick a goal but created countless contests and ran direct opponent and Bulldogs star Brian Lake ragged as he bobbed up all over the ground.

They were two of many significant contributors for the Lions on a red-letter day for the club when it also held its inaugural Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Brown was delighted the 2012 squad was able to do the special Fitzroy jumper justice with such an even and relentless effort across the board.

"We wanted the guys who have worn this jumper and bled for this club to be proud and I think we did that magnificently," he said.

"That was our best four-quarter effort for years I reckon."

The Lions will be heavy favourites against the Demons and Rockliff said dealing with the expectation and remaining consistent were the challenges.

Black is free to play against Melbourne after accepting a reprimand for striking Western Bulldogs tagger Liam Picken.

Black risked a one-match suspension had he challenged the charge.