Why was the Club’s most decorated player allocated the green vest?
Senior Coach Michael Voss later revealed that the decision was made purely to help get Black, who will turn 34 in April next year, through his 15th AFL season.
“We've got to manage Blacky's body," Voss said at the time.
"We will try everything to make sure we can get some value out of him, and every now and then it might mean that we have to play him as a sub.”
The precautionary measure came just one month after Black was a late withdrawal from the team that faced the Swans in Sydney, after he pulled up sore from the pre-game warm-up.
Lions National Talent Manager Rob Kerr echoed Voss’ reasoning during an interview with AFL Live’s SportsDay radio program last week.
“As far as Simon goes, I think the decision to sub him was one about the feeling we could help him get another game out of his body before he needs a rest,” Kerr said.
But Kerr also said the experiment probably helped prove that the substitute role, particularly at the beginning of a match, probably isn’t suited to a player of Black’s capabilities.
“(Black) does appear to be that type of player that you let go hell for leather early on, and if there’s a need to make a change, then you make it down the track,” Kerr said.
“Most people would argue that the more effective subs have been those that have been able to come on with a bit of leg speed when the sting’s been taken out of the other players.”
“Those quick blokes are able to get around and really do a bit of damage.”
LIONS’ STARTING SUBSTITUTES IN 2012
3 - Jared Polec (Round 3, 8, 14)
3 - Patrick Karnezis (Round 5, 6, 16)
2 - Sam Sheldon (Round 1, 4)
2 - Josh Green (Round 10, 13)
2 - Rohan Bewick (Round 12, 17)
2 - Claye Beams (Round 15, 20)
1 - Jesse O’Brien (Round 2)
1 - Dayne Zorko (Round 7)
1 - Ryan Lester (Round 9)
1 - Todd Banfield (Round 18)
1 - Simon Black (Round 19)
1 - Elliot Yeo (Round 21)
1 - Josh Drummond (Round 22)
1 - Ryan Harwood (Round 23)
