Black has now successfully gotten through two NEAFL matches without showing any signs of discomfort following pre-season knee surgery.
The Brownlow Medallist was named in the Lions Reserves’ best in last week’s ANZAC Day clash against Gold Coast in Mackay, and will come under serious consideration when the senior squad is named on Thursday.
“Blacky is an interesting one,” Development Coach Gary O’Donnell told LIONS TV as part of the regular Vero Coaches’ Wrap.
“He’s played two games now, but they’ve been shortened games. I think he played about 70% of game time for the Reserves last week, so he’s touch and go.”
“He might need one more (match with the Reserves), but that will be a decision the Match Committee has to make.”
While Black would be an automatic selection on ability alone, the Lions might proceed will caution given his limited match fitness.
On the other hand, the Sydney Swans’ largely contested style of football may end up working in the 34 year-old’s favour.
He’ll be heading to Sydney this weekend regardless to represent either the senior team (1:10pm) or the reserves (9:30am).
Meanwhile, Brent Staker is expected to spend a little while longer with the Lions Reserves after being sidelined for most of 2011 and 2012.
“In his first game back he was a little bit careful, but I reckon he let go of the shackles a little bit (last weekend),” O’Donnell said of Staker. .
“He contested a lot, got tackled a few times and got thrown to the ground, so he’ll be getting confidence from that. He’s still a few weeks away.”
