It’s still hard to believe that every AFL club passed on the chance to draft Simon Black at least once back in 1997, with some recruiters believing he was ‘too slow’ to make it as a top-line midfielder. 

Thankfully for the Brisbane Lions, he lasted until their second round selection (Pick No.31 overall), and was promptly snapped up.

Black soon proved his doubters wrong, by becoming one of the greatest midfielders of the modern era.

What he might have lacked in pace, he more than made up for with skill, determination and football smarts. And while his legs might not have been the quickest in the League, his hands certainly were.

The current crop of young Lions players needn’t look any further than their veteran teammate for living proof of how successful AFL careers are built on hard work and preparation.

Black is more than forthcoming with advice for his less experienced comrades, and enjoys imparting his wealth of knowledge across the next generation of Lions. 

“I really enjoy helping, teaching, and giving advice to the younger guys coming through,” Black said during an exclusive interview with LIONS TV.

“Some guys come in with enormous talent and they don’t really work hard. They’ve always just relied on their talent alone.”

“Then you get the guys who probably have less talent, but they work their backside off to be the best they can be.”

“They are the ones you admire and love.”

Black believes there is a real hunger among the younger Lions players to taste that same level of success he was once fortunate enough to experience a decade ago. 

“There are a lot of guys in our group who want success,” he said.

“They’re sick of seeing the Finals being played in September, and only being able to watch it on TV.”

“But what’s going to help make us a better side is the guys’ willingness to find constant improvement.”