While AFL coaches debated proposals for significant rule changes, Brownlow Medallist Michael Voss reminded the game that some change is sadly inevitable.

Voss, one of the modern game's best players, announced he would step down as captain at the end of next season.

The 29-year-old also surprised by nominating the often-suspended Jonathan Brown as his most likely successor.

The announcement came a week after another modern legend and Brownlow Medallist, Collingwood captain Nathan Buckley, was put on the long-term injury list because of hamstring surgery.

Voss explained he would step down after next season because of an ongoing knee complaint and the fear that the current Lions dynasty could diminish should he continue in the job for too long.

While they were common-sense reasons, his choice of potential successor was an eyebrow-raiser and Voss knew it.

"Browny's got a lot to learn in that area (captaincy) also so first of all we need Browny playing and playing every single game," Voss said.

"We can't have him playing 17 games a year or 20 games a year, we need him out there every week and that's one of the important roles of being captain is having durability at the same time.

"I guess that's where I have to make that assessment at the same time.

"Am I still durable and can play every single game or do I think I can play every single game because it's worthless having a captain that sits in the stands and can't do anything."

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