Brisbane coach Michael Voss knows Jonathan Brown's game inside out, but it doesn't stop him looking on in wonder each week at the skipper's inspirational deeds.

Brown kicked three goals in a losing side at Launceston's Aurora Stadium on Saturday to take his career tally to 498, two ahead of the AFL club's previous record-holder Daniel Bradshaw.

At 29 and with creaking knees, Brown looked a shadow of his former glory early in Saturday's game as the younger, lighter, shorter Josh Gibson ran off to gather 11 possessions in the first term.

Trailing by 24 points at quarter-time, the Lions were still in the game at three-quarter time thanks partly to the leadership of Brown (23 possessions and 10 marks) and Simon Black (30 touches).

But the fourth-placed Hawks kicked six goals to Brisbane's one in the final term to win 16.9 (105) to 9.9 (63) as the Lions slumped to their 12th loss in 15 games this season.

Voss said Brown's ability to work himself back into the game after Gibson's early dominance was vital.

"Brownie's role through that period was really critical in the whole make-up of how we wanted to play and a few others started to join in," Voss said of his former team-mate.

"The way Brownie played his role, he did enormous work up the ground and he was pretty important for us in the way the game was played out.

"He's an enormous leader. I could probably keep talking about Brownie.

"But he's important and even his approach and the way he changed up his game for the betterment of the team - they're the things you want to see from your skipper.

"When you have your captain echoing your sentiments and trying to push the playing group and coach out on the field, it's a really important attribute to have within your leadership group.

"The fact he gets rewards at the same time makes him the leader he is.

"I played with him, admired him and coaching I admire him, so nothing will change there."

Voss said he was confident more players were starting to put their hands up for ownership of the team alongside all-time greats such as Brown and Black.

"The one thing you've got to be able to build on is team character and I reckon we've got plenty of that," Voss added.

Brisbane host ladder leaders Geelong at the Gabba on Sunday July 17.

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