AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou missed the point a few days ago when he brought up Leigh Brown's role on Brisbane captain Jonathan Brown.

Demetriou mentioned the Brown-Brown duel while trying to dismiss speculation that tanking exists in the league.

It was a curious example, given Leigh Brown's Collingwood and the Lions could finish in the top four.

What was much more important is that the match-up again demonstrated Leigh Brown's value, which will be underlined this weekend when he reaches his 200th game.

He went onto the Lions key forward because Collingwood's No.1 key defender, Simon Prestigiacomo, was knocked senseless in the first few minutes of the game.

Brisbane's Brown kicked four first-half goals, but Brown and his fellow defenders kept him goal-less in the second half as the Magpies won in a canter.

It was exactly why Collingwood recruited him this year, because Brown can fulfil a number of roles.

"I've played on him (the Brisbane captain) a couple of times, but I was hoping `Presti' got up," Brown said.

"It was a great opportunity for me, a great challenge, and the other guys, the work up the field they helped me with, was outstanding."

Collingwood is Brown's third AFL club, after 63 games at Fremantle and 118 at North Melbourne.

He only managed nine senior games at North last year and even he thought his AFL career might be over.

Instead, he has reached 200 games and is set to add to his tally of only two finals matches.

"I probably thought it was over there for a while, I was grateful for the opportunity," he said.

"I still thought I could play at the level, I was still playing some good footy last year, even at VFL level.

"The opportunities probably weren't there and weren't given to me last year ... I'm not too worried about what people outside the club are saying, or anything like that, I still knew I had something to offer."

Brown is not worried about his "spare parts" role, having had plenty of experience, and is pleased with his form.

"It's probably been a little more consistent this year, I've been more settled, even though I've still played a variety of positions," he said.

"I'm used to it after 10 or so years, it can be difficult and something you have to get your mind around.

"There are probably three or four scenarios you run yourself through and run through with the coaches before the game.

"I'm really grateful and thankful for the opportunity and excited about what lies ahead, because in 10 years I haven't played much finals footy."

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