“The worst thing you want to do in your life is break your kid’s heart. It felt like you were on the precipice. I tell you what, I was ready to fight when I saw their faces after that.”

Brown has had surgery to remove the tumour and he is expected to return to work within the next few weeks.

He said in March “a shadow” on his brain was discovered when had a routine scan.

“that turned out to be a low-grade brain tumour,” he said.

“I underwent surgery 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.”

Brown played 256 games for the Lions and was one of the youngest members of the club’s 2001-03 premiership hat-trick.

He is a two-time All-Australian, led Brisbane’s goalkicking five times, and captained the side for four seasons.

He retired in 2014 following the last of multiple sickening concussions and facial injuries.