After a summer of Brendan Fevola being headline "cannon fodder", Brisbane captain Jonathan Brown awaits what his new team-mate will produce in the AFL.

Controversy has plagued Fevola since his drunken antics at last year's Brownlow Medal, with Carlton trading him to the Lions.

Then came the Lara Bingle nude photo scandal and an AFL investigation into Fevola's role in the saga.

"We've just gotten on with business, it's just a shame there have been no (premiership) games for Fev since obviously what happened at the Brownlow," Brown said.

"All the way through, he's been cannon fodder for everyone because he hasn't had an opportunity to let his actions do the talking out on the field and get everyone else talking about what he does on the field.

"But he gets his opportunity next week and that will be exciting."

Brown and Fevola are friends and the Lions captain has strongly backed the recruiting of the reigning Coleman Medallist, regardless of the off-field issues.

They are potentially the most dangerous key forward duo in the league.

Asked about Fevola's ability to generate headlines for off-field issues, Brown replied: "We certainly knew that, you probably don't often see, not really in Brisbane, the reporters hanging around like they were and hanging out on his front lawn - he lives just around the corner from me.

"That was probably a little bit of a first, we probably hadn't seen media intrusion since 'Aker' (Jason Akermanis) was there towards the end.

"That's all part of it, that doesn't affect the locker room and that's what we're worried about - how Fev fits in and how all the other players fit into the locker room culture, do they add to that?

"Fev's been tremendous with that sort of stuff and his team-mates have really embraced him, he's embraced the club and loves it up there."

Brown added he had felt no need to specifically warn Fevola about the need to behave.

He said Fevola had been wary of drinking in public.

"Fev's a grown man and he understands the reasons he's probably ended up in Brisbane," Brown said.

"Fev and I get along really well, good mates, and he knows what's expected.

"He's really trying to do well for the Lions and continue on what's been a great career.

"There's all that talk about being on the drink and all those sorts of things, but we've had a few beers together in private and he's kept his nose out of trouble.

"He's been exceptional, his behaviour and the way he's jumped into training."

Fevola is among a big group of experienced players that the Lions have recruited as they push for the premiership and Brown is confident about his team's chances this season.

"The thing we have to contend with this year is the outside expectation - we expect to do well, but how do we as a playing list cope with those outside expectations and make sure we don't get ahead of ourselves," Brown said.

"There's been a lot of positive talk, especially up in Brisbane and having the new recruits come in, we can't fall for the trap that's automatically going to push us into being a top-four side."

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