Mary Brown will find it tough viewing on TV in Warrnambool, but the AFL's most eagerly-anticipated comeback can't come soon enough for her son Jonathan.

The Lions king has been the most frustrated of spectators as Brisbane have sunk to a disastrous 0-7 start since he suffered multiple facial fractures in the final quarter of their opening round two-point AFL loss to Fremantle.

But while he's desperate to help inspire team-mates and ease the pressure on besieged coach Michael Voss, Brown also can't wait for a chance to reap the attacking benefits of the evolving 2011 game.

The Brisbane captain must receive a clearance from his surgeon, Dr Alistair Reid, on Thursday but sees himself as an almost certain starter against North Melbourne on Saturday night.

Speaking at the Gabba on Monday, Brown, still regarded as the AFL's No.1 power forward, was relishing the prospect of more one-on-one contests in the forward 50 as the game has opened up far more with players tiring under less interchanges.

"The forward line is looking more open to be honest so I'm actually quite looking forward to getting out there - even though the pace of the game might look quick, the forward line in most teams is quite open," he said.

"Hopefully I can get some more one-on-one contests with that.

"The pressure has gone up 100 per cent over the last five years in the AFL but I think as a forward if you've got good strength in one-on-one contests that seems to be benefiting guys this year.

"I just want to go back out there and give the guys some direction and certainly give them a target in the forward line."

The trouble for the winless Lions, particularly in the last fortnight when they have lost to Gold Coast and Essendon, has been getting the football inside 50.

But the mere presence of their spearhead will provide a massive boost at the Gabba, where the number of home fans has started dropping away significantly.

Brown described his injury, colliding with Luke McPharlin's knee after taking a diving mark, as a freakish occurrence and harboured no concerns in making his return.

Neither does wife Kylie.

"She'll be all right, she knows it is part of the job, but my mum will be a bit more worried," he said.

"I'm not sure if she'll watch the game.

"The things we have to realise, touch wood, is these incidents are very rare and hopefully it doesn't happen to me two in a row."

Fed on soup for a month after surgery, the 29-year-old initially lost five kilograms but has put it back on and is looking at the positives of being fresh as a daisy when his rivals are starting to tire.

Brown's expecting no let-ups from the Kangaroos, who he kicked eight goals against in their last Gabba clash, but warned any defender intent on testing his jaw, cheekbone or eye socket would be in for a nasty surprise.

"I don't think they'll back off," he said.

"I've got plenty of metal in my face and I'm sure they'll have a sore fist if they whack me but I'm looking forward to the challenge."

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