Jonathan Brown's decision to opt for foot surgery is an encouraging sign that he may play on in the AFL in 2014, Brisbane coach Michael Voss says.
Off contract Brisbane co-captain Brown will contemplate his playing future during a 10-week rehabilitation after an operation on Tuesday to repair a tear in his plantar fascia.
Brown, 31, insisted again on Tuesday that he was no closer to making a decision on whether to continue playing next year.
But Voss was optimistic Brown's prompt decision to have the surgery, which would ensure he was fit by the 2014 pre-season, hinted at a return.
"His proactiveness in his decision hopefully means he is leaning towards continuing on," Voss said.
"At this stage there is nothing that says he is leaning towards retirement.
"But he wants to wait until the end of the year (to decide) and I am happy with that."
Voss sounded like he had let the cat out of the bag on Brown's future when asked about the length of his champion forward's rehabilitation.
"He will be right for the pre-season," he said.
But he quickly added: "It (Brown's future) is not confirmed but I am certainly hoping so.
"I haven't had that conversation."
Voss vowed to "get in his ear" during Brown's recovery.
"I probably will but I will let him rest up first then I will get my best sell and get him to go around for another year," he said with a smile.
Brown stressed the injury and operation would not affect his career decision.
"In the interest of the best long-term outcome and after speaking to the specialist I've opted for surgery," Brown said in statement.
"As I've said previously, the injury won't influence any decision about my future."
Lions defender Justin Clarke also had season-ending surgery on Tuesday after injuring his shoulder in Saturday's loss to Richmond.
Voss said veteran Simon Black (groin) would be considered for a return in Saturday night's Gabba clash with Greater Western Sydney.
The 34-year-old Brownlow Medallist has not been sighted since the round 14 loss to Hawthorn in Launceston on June 30.
