Simon Black is an Australian Rules football legend and one of the most celebrated players in the game achieving almost all team and individual accolades on offer. Simon Black arrived at the Gabba in late 1997 and left it in 2013 as the Lions’ games record-holder (322) and is considered one of the greatest midfielders to have played the game.
In 2002, Simon Black won the highest individual accolade, the Brownlow Medal, polling 25 votes to beat second placed Josh Francou by four votes. He was also a three-time All-Australian and won the Norm Smith Medal for best on ground in the 2003 AFL Grand Final. In 2003, and he won the Norm Smith Medal as best on ground in the Grand Final with a career-best 39 possessions, the most ever recorded by any player in a Grand Final — it remained the sole highest until it was eventually equalled by Christian Petracca’s performance in 2021.
Black’s playing style was characterized by his composure, precision kicking, and ability to find space on the field. He was renowned for his ability to read the game and make effective decisions under pressure. He was a prolific ball-winner and a key playmaker alongside fellow Brownlow medallists Michael Voss and Jason Akermanis, for the Brisbane Lions during their successful era in the early 2000s when they won three consecutive AFL premierships from 2001 to 2003.
On 18 October 2013, Black announced his retirement from the AFL and since then has remained involved in the football community. He has worked as a coach, media commentator, and ambassador for the sport, sharing his knowledge and insights with fans and aspiring players.
Playing career
1998-2013
Games
322
Goals
171
Player honours
- Three-time AFL Premiership player: 2001, 2002, 2003
- Club captain: 2007-08 (joint)
- Brownlow Medallist: 2002
- Club Best & Fairest: 2001 (equal), 2002 & 2006
- Norm Smith Medallist: 2003
- All Australian: 2001, 2002, 2004
- 3× Merrett-Murray Medal: 2001, 2002, 2006
- Herald Sun Player of the Year 2001
- Marcus Ashcroft Medal: 2011
- AFL Rising Star nominee: 1999
- Australian Football Hall of Fame: Inducted 2020
