Matthew Pavlich says Jonathan Brown’s stunning mark of the year winner from 2002 sums up everything the retiring Brisbane legend stood for in his decorated playing career.

Brown, who announced on Monday he’d played his last game of AFL, ran against the flight of the ball in an MCG match against Hawthorn and launched into an oncoming pack without any regard for his own safety.

Pavlich and Brown both made their AFL debuts in round 5, 2000 and have been two of the best forwards of the modern era.

Fremantle’s skipper said he regarded the 2002 mark as the most memorable moment of Brown’s playing career for a number of reasons.

“I don’t think anyone really expected firstly for him to get anywhere near the ball, he made such great ground,” Pavlich said.

“And then he was able to keep his eye on the ball with the pack coming the other way. It was one of the things you see on the footy field that takes your breath away.

“It was astonishing, really.”

Pavlich said Brown was a terrific player who deserved all the plaudits he will receive in retirement.

The Freo captain added Brown’s presence on the football field was among the most significant he’d ever encountered.

“Great forwards often have that – an element of intimidation for the opposition and an ability to have the ball drawn to you by strong leading patterns,” Pavlich said.

“But also the presence of mind to have the opposition players looking over their shoulder to know that you’re coming.

“I was often at the other end of the ground, but if I was down in defence, you could definitely tell that he was coming up behind you by his voice and his presence.”

Pavlich has been one of the best leaders in the AFL over the past decade, but he admitted he’d always been in awe of Brown’s ability to lift his team.

“His leadership capabilities, when Brisbane needed a goal or making a set-up,” Pavlich said.

“And from a forward’s perspective, seeing him able to get a split on his opponent, his leading patterns are always something that I’ve admired.”

Fremantle senior coach Ross Lyon also lauded the three-time premiership player.

“He’s been a great player, a great centre-half-forward in one of the greatest teams ever,” Lyon said.

“He’s held in really high regard and I think his humility and the way he carries himself and embraces people is what it’s about, being a champion on and off the field.

“From afar, that’s what it seems like, so all kudos to him.”