A frustrating, suspension-disrupted 2013 has not stopped Gold Coast hardman Campbell Brown earning another season with the rising Suns.
Gold Coast have confirmed the 29-year-old will run out again in 2014 despite spending almost as much time off the field as he did on it this year.
And he will start 2014 the way he began this year - suspended.
Brown will miss next year's opening round as he completes a four-game ban for kicking Melbourne's James Strauss in the face on August 10.
The former Hawthorn premiership winner missed the first six rounds of 2013 due to suspension, sparking speculation that this year might be his last.
However, he benefited from injuries to Karmichael Hunt and Charlie Dixon to be rushed straight back into the side in round seven against Melbourne.
Brown played 13 straight games and was a strong contributor with 23 goals before he again fell foul of the tribunal in their return match with the Demons.
Rumours that Brown might have played his last game circulated after he was rubbed out for the rest of the season when he was suspended for the August 10 incident which left Strauss with a 20cm cut requiring four stitches plus a broken nose.
In all, Brown played 13 games and spent another nine on the sidelines this year.
However, Brown's experience will again be invaluable as the improving Suns look to take the next step and play finals footy in 2014.
One of the last of the true characters of professional sport, the old school Brown's wisdom would again be embraced by the Suns, according to football manager Marcus Ashcroft.
"We are really pleased to confirm that Campbell has re-signed with the Suns," he said.
"Campbell has played an important role for us and that hasn't been restricted to on the field.
"He has an infectious personality and has helped transition and develop so many of our players off the field."
Brown has played 205 games, a career that has included three seasons at Gold Coast and nine at Hawthorn.
"I approached the year wanting to make a real impact. I knew I still had a lot to offer and I will approach next year in the same manner," Brown said.
"Looking back, I was fortunate to get a game in round seven. The guys had been playing some good footy, a couple of injuries helped me and I came straight in."
Brown could at least see the funny side of his tribunal run-ins this year.
"I'm back on match payments now," he laughed.
