Footy legend Jonathan Brown revealed he has been treated for a brain tumour, prompting an outpouring of support from Australians.
The 44-year-old published a photo on social media on Saturday of himself lying on a hospital bed with a large bandage on his head while his wife Kylie hugged him.
‘After undergoing a routine scan, I was recently made aware of a shadow on my brain that turned out to be a low-grade brain tumour,’ he wrote in the caption.
‘I underwent surgery (on) Wednesday with a positive outcome.
‘I understand a surgery of this nature creates interest and once I have recuperated, I will share my experience but for now I need to take some time to rest and recover.’
The three-time Brisbane Lions premiership player had been seen just two weeks ago grinning during the flag unfurling at the Opening Round match between his former club and the Western Bulldogs.
AFL legend Jonathan Brown (pictured with his wife Kylie) announced on Friday he had surgery for a brain tumour
The three-time Brisbane Lions premiership player had been seen just two weeks ago grinning during the flag unfurling in Opening Round
Within hours of his health update, he received a wave of supportive messages from the AFL community.
Sam Docherty, who battled testicular cancer twice while playing for Carlton, wrote: ‘Rest up big fella, thinking of you guys.’
Former Carlton player and unsuccessful Melbourne mayoral candidate Anthony Koutoufides added: ‘Speedy recovery legend.’
Brown, who has been a prominent commentator since his retirement from the field in 2014, also received support from fellow media personalities.
‘To Jono, his beautiful wife Kylie, their kids and (father and former Fitzroy player) Brian, who will be watching at home, and the brothers, we wish them well from everyone here at the Seven Network,’ James Brayshaw said.
Ahead of the scheduled Adelaide Crows and Western Bulldogs AFL game Fox Footy’s star, Garry Lyon, shared Brown’s update with viewers and also offered his support.
‘We’re throwing our thoughts out to one of our great mates, Jonathan Brown, who sits on this panel and has done for a very long time and one of the all-time favourites at Fox Footy,’ Lyon said on Friday.
‘He’s had a pretty challenging week or so. He underwent surgery on Wednesday and had a really positive outcome.
Brown (pictured with Kylie) said the surgery went well
‘I spoke to him about two hours ago. He was full of beans, bouncing around talking to Kylie and annoying her.’
Brown played football from the age of 18, beginning a stellar career with the Brisbane Lions that ended in 2014 after he suffered a concussion on the field.
The 256-gamer won three premierships with the Lions during their 2001 to 2003 hat-trick and later captained the side for four seasons.
He was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2020.
Brown rose to media fame on Melbourne radio in 2015 when he joined Chrissie Swan and Sam Pang for Nova’s breakfast show, Chrissie, Sam & Browny.
It followed his earlier guest role on Nine’s AFL Footy Show.
