Simon Black

Simon Black stamped himself as one of the truly elite midfielders of the modern era when he won the game’s most coveted individual honour in 2002, the Brownlow Medal. It was the ultimate reward for the ultimate team player, who has the best peripheral vision and ball-getting ability since dual Brownlow medallist, Greg Williams.

Simon Black is only the sixth man in the 107 year history of AFL/VFL to win the Brownlow Medal and the Club Champion award in a premiership year. He is also only the sixth player in history to win back to back best and fairest in consecutive premiership years. He has also played each year in the three Brisbane Lions Premiership wins in 2001, 2003 and 2003.
While 2001 will always be remembered for the first stunning premiership win, Black’s confirmation of his high standing in the game was one of the highlights. Premiership Player, co-Club Champion, All-Australian – he would have thought it wouldn’t get much better than that, although it did! His outstanding vision and ability to feed the ball to team mates from traffic is a gift and he has gone on to be regarded as one of the top players in AFL.
Born in Mt Isa, Queensland, but raised in Perth, Simon Black played his junior football for Bullcreek. He was drafted for the All Australian team in 1997 and was called up to the Brisbane Lions in 1998.
Simon has completed various business studies and is currently a lecturer for the Youth Suicide Prevention Cause – Here For Life. Simon is a true believer in working hard and enjoying the moment. He likes surfing, relaxing and socialising with friends.
Simon Black’s achievements include 1991 – 1994 WA State Athletics champion – 800m (12 – 14yrs) WA State Athletics Champion -1500m (12 – 14yrs) WA State Cross Country 1998 Lions Best First Year Player 1999 AFL Rising Star Nominee 2001 International Rules Series Premiership Player – Brisbane Lions Attitude Barometer Tackling Award All Australian Best and Fairest – Brisbane Lions (equal with Michael Voss) 2002 Brownlow Medal winner Premiership Player – Brisbane Lions Attitude Barometer Tackling Award All Australian Best and Fairest – Brisbane Lions WA Sportstar of the Year 2003 Premier Player – Brisbane Lions Norm Smith Medal Runner Up Best & Fairest – Brisbane Lions 2004 – Grand Final Player – Brisbane Lions All Australian Team
Simon has just completed a 2008 year with great form and finished runner up in consecutive years for the ’08 Brownlow Medal and will continue into the 2009 year under new coach Michael Voss.