Simon Black has been labelled a “wanted player” by the Brisbane Lions as the Club moves closer to finalising a deal that will see the superstar midfielder enter a remarkable 16th AFL season.

The Lions released a message to members and supporters via lions.com.au on Thursday, stating:

Following media speculation today, the Brisbane Lions would like to make the following statement regarding Simon Black:

“The Club has made it very clear that Simon Black is a wanted player at the Brisbane Lions,” General Manager - Football Operations, Dean Warren, said.

“We are currently in the process of finalising an agreement with Simon and his management team that will see him enter a remarkable 16th season in 2013.”

The Club will not provide ongoing running commentary on this matter and will notify its members, supporters and media, once any agreement has been reached.

A champion of both the Club and the game, Black, 33, is set to play his 314th career AFL match at the Gabba on Sunday, when the Lions take on the Western Bulldogs in the final game of the 2012 AFL season.

In doing so, he will leapfrog Roger Merrett’s career mark of 313 games (164 for Brisbane and 149 for Essendon), placing him behind only Kevin Murray (333) and Marcus Ashcroft (318) for the most games played for the Club in combined history.

The Lions are searching for their third successive win as they aim to finish their 2012 campaign on a strong note.