Midfield (Full-Time)
Simon Black (born 3 April 1979) is a former professional Australian rules footballer who played for Brisbane in the AFL.
Drafted by Brisbane in 1997, Black debuted in the opening round of 1998 and played nine games for the year, before establishing himself in the Lions' midfield the following year, playing 22 games. As the Lions won three consecutive flags between 2001 and 2003, Black formed a stellar midfield unit with Jason Akermanis, Nigel Lappin and skipper Michael Voss. In addition to his three premiership medals, Black also won Brisbane's best and fairest in 2001 and 2002 and All-Australian selection in both years, as well as the Brownlow Medal in 2002. Although he had a slightly quieter 2003, he won the Norm Smith Medal for his outstanding 39-possession, nine-tackle game in the Grand Final.
Black was named in the All-Australian side for a third time in 2004, and won a third best and fairest in 2006. With the retirement of Voss, Black was one of five co-captains appointed in 2007, a position he held for two seasons before Jonathan Brown took the sole captaincy in 2009. Black remained an important leader with the Lions, and finished runner-up to Michael Rischitelli in the 2010 best and fairest. He played his 300th game in 2012, and passed Marcus Ashcroft's club record of 318 games in 2013. Black retired at the end of the 2013 season, having played 322 games and won numerous awards.
After retiring as a player, Black spent three years as a development coach with Brisbane, before resigning to focus on his football academy.
References[]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_Black
https://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/S/Simon_Black.html
http://www.wafootballhalloffame.com.au/inductees/1637-simon-black