Brown issues challenge to Lions

Jonathan Brown

Geoff Potter

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BRISBANE Lions need to improve "a hell of a lot" as individuals and as a team if they're serious about the premiership next year.

The comments by captain Jonathan Brown are sure to light a fire under the new squad, who began a six-day training camp at Noosa Heads yesterday.

Brown, who spent much of the Lion's disappointing 2011 season out with multiple facial injuries, said he was keen for a strong pre-season.

"It's been awhile - probably the best part of 10 years - since I've been involved in the first day of pre-season, with injuries and the like," Brown said.

"It's been disappointing the past two years, not being able to participate with all the injuries I've had.

"You do get sick of training in rehab groups, and in isolation, so I'm really keen to get out and support the boys.

"I'm keen to get out there and support the boys and get the Lions back on the ladder."

Brown said it was important for him to begin building relationships with the younger players in the squad.

"The first step is to spend the next three or four months getting on the end of their kicks and knowing the way I move and spending time training together," he said.

"It's going to be very beneficial to build those relationships with the midfield group and some of our good young forwards."

Speaking in Brisbane yesterday, coach Michael Voss said the squad's fitness was "miles better" than it was a year ago at the start of pre-season training.

"We're miles better than this time last year judging by some of the times they've run and the condition they're in," Voss said.

Training continues today at the Noosa Football Club from 8.30am before a beach recovery session at Main Beach.