SIMON Black has confirmed this will likely be his last season in the AFL.
Black has played 315 games for the Brisbane Lions, won three premierships, a Brownlow Medal and Norm Smith Medal among numerous accolades, but has been dogged by a knee injury in the past 12 months.
The 34-year-old played his first game for the season against West Coast on Saturday after overcoming off-season knee surgery, and confirmed his 16th season would almost certainly be his last.
"It's more than likely," Black said.
"I haven't made a definitive call at this stage but it's probably looking like that, yeah."
Playing as the substitute against the Eagles, Black made an immediate impact, racking up 12 disposals and a goal in a little over a quarter of action.
But after missing four matches in 2012 and the first six of 2013 with the knee problem, time appears to have caught up.
One of the nicest blokes in the game, Black has already put some thought into his post-career, and said coaching was a path he would like to pursue.
Along with a number of his senior teammates, Black has been undergoing a Level 2 coaching course in recent months.
"I've definitely got a real interest in coaching and trying to help the younger guys in my team," Black said.
"Whether it's a full-time career down the path I'm not 100 per cent sure at the moment.
"I love the game and I love trying to improve the team's performance, so it's definitely something I'd be interested in down the track."
For the moment though, the champion midfielder has his eyes firmly fixed on Saturday's match against Essendon at Etihad Stadium.
A virus hampered his preparation last week and restricted him to the sub role, but Black said he was ready to take on the Bombers and the rigours of a full game.
"I think I'm ready to play week in, week out now," he said.
"I think I've got the worst of it behind me as far as injury is concerned and I think I'm ready to play as needed.
"It's going to take a few weeks to get match fit again at AFL level, but it's just great to be back out there again."
Michael Whiting covers Brisbane Lions news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting
