It's always hard to measure the influence of a single player but for many years, Jonathan Brown has been considered Brisbane’s barometer.

On Saturday Brown, presuming he is passed fit to play, will run out with the Lions for the first time since round one.

With its captain back in, a team that languishes on the bottom of the table without a win quickly presents a whole new proposition for Brad Scott.

You only need to look at recent history between the two sides to realise Brown's importance; in the past nine games against North the power-forward has kicked an amazing 40 goals. That's five a game.

Brown can also boast 10 Brownlow votes and three best-on-ground's.

But just how far can he go to getting the Lions over the line?

The Lions have won five of nine against the Kangaroos since 2005, yet their last win on home soil was back in round ten last year, against eventual premier Collingwood.

North Melbourne on the other hand has won just one out of its previous eight at the GABBA, hardly a flattering record.

Almost a year ago, Levi Greenwood was the unlikely hero with a last-minute goal against a defiant Brisbane still well and truly in the race for the finals.

On that night Brendan Fevola and Travis Johnstone were the stand-outs but less than 12 months later, both are gone.

So who will step up now? Will Brown be forced to win the game off his own boot again?

One thing's for sure, if the number 16 does line up the challenge becomes all the more greater for the boys from Aegis Park.