Brisbane Lions coach Michael Voss says he was sad to hear of the passing of former Brisbane Lion Brent Green who drowned on the Gold Coast recently while surfing.

"I grew up playing football either with or against Brent since I was 11 years-old, from the Queensland junior ranks to our time together in the AFL," Voss said.

"He was a gentle giant but showed some serious aggression out on the footy field.

"Our thoughts are with his family at this incredibly tough time."