JONATHAN Brown has decided to extend his AFL career after signing a new deal with the Brisbane Lions.

Brown, who turns 32 later this month, delayed a decision on his future until meeting with new coach Justin Leppitsch.

The triple premiership player had his 2013 season cut short by a plantar fascia injury in round 19, but said he was itching to play a 15th season.

"I’ve still got the passion to play, but I was also mindful of the fact that the new coach might have other plans," Brown said.

“But I had a good chat with Leppa and he basically laid out his plans and said he saw me as being part of them.

"I feel as though I still have some pretty good footy left in me, particularly after finishing last season earlier than I would have liked.

“Plus, with such a young group, hopefully I can play a role in helping to continue bring that next generation of Lions forwards through."

Brown has played 245 games and kicked 573 goals with the Lions since being drafted under the father/son rule at the 1999 NAB AFL Draft.

Fellow premiership star Simon Black is still contemplating his future after knee and groin injuries kept him to just eight games last season.





Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting