The South Warrnambool export led the Brisbane Lions for seven seasons but has stood down to concentrate on playing duties in 2014.

Jed Adcock, who shared the co-captaincy with Brown in 2013, was anointed the Lions’ new sole skipper yesterday.

Brown, 32, rose to the captaincy in 2007 when he combined the role with club legends Simon Black, Chris Johnson, Nigel Lappin, and Luke Power after the retirement of triple premiership skipper Michael Voss.

The 2007 Coleman medallist and three-time premiership forward was sole captain for four seasons before Adcock joined him in the role last year.

Brown, who is recovering from a foot injury which prematurely ended his 2013 season, will work as mentor to Adcock, vice-captain Tom Rockliff, deputy vice-captains Daniel Rich, Joel Patfull and Daniel Merrett and the Lions’ leadership group.

Pearce Hanley, Matthew Leuenberger, Dayne Zorko, Jack Redden and Mitch Golby make up the Brisbane leadership group.

“Obviously I have relished my time as captain, but I think it’s the right time for a changing of the guard,” Brown said.

“I’m coming towards the end of my career and I think with Leppa (Justin Leppitsch) on board it’s the perfect time for a fresh start.

“I’ll still be there to support the boys when they need, but I have every confidence in the ability of Jed, Tom and our next generation of leaders to take the club forward.”

Brisbane kicks off its season against reigning premier Hawthorn on March 22.