On the eve of Simon Black’s record-breaking 319^th senior game, a host of well-known sporting identities congratulated the Lions superstar on his latest achievement.

From former Lions premiership teammate Luke Power, to Australian basketball star Shane Heal – tributes flowed freely for one of the most decorated and respected players in the AFL competition. 

An edited transcript of the messages which appear in full on LIONS TV is provided below;

Jude Bolton
Sydney Swans midfielder
Congratulations to Simon Black on his sensational effort in becoming the games record holder for Brisbane. (It’s) an amazing achievement. You’re such a highly decorated player, but also a great bloke. Luckily we used to send Kirky to you so I didn’t have to play on you too often. Congratulations Blacky.   

Nigel Lappin
Former Brisbane Lions premiership teammate
Simon, congratulations on your fantastic achievement. You’ve been an amazing player for the football club for a long time and a fantastic teammate to me and a great person to have around the place on and off the field.  

Chris Scott
Former Brisbane Lions premiership teammate
Congratulations on breaking the Brisbane Bears/Lions games record Blacky. You’ve been a champion of the game and someone I still consider to be a great friend. No doubt you’re still an inspiration to your teammates and I can’t think of anyone I’d rather to take out this privilege.

Luke Power
Former Brisbane Lions premiership teammate
Blacky, congratulations on breaking the Brisbane games record, (it’s) thoroughly deserved. I don’t think I have to tell everyone how much I love you again, but I love you. I love playing with you, I love you as a player, and I love you as a person. One thing about you mate (is that) you’re a true champion of the game, but more importantly than that, you’re a champion person and someone who has always been humble about his achievements. I’m sure that every one of those guys that runs out with you on Saturday night will talk one day about playing with you and being friends with you. All the best, I’m just disappointed I won’t be there for the party afterwards.

Craig Lambert
Former Brisbane Lions teammate, Coach and Player Welfare Manager
Blacky, just to reinforce what Luke said, an amazing career and more importantly just an amazing person. It was amazing last week, I was watching the game against Collingwood at the Gabba and the 34-year-old battler from Perth (who was once considered) too slow racks up twenty (disposals) to half time! Just incredible to watch your career mate, and I wish you all the best for that record. I hope you get the win because I know that’s more important to you than anything. You’re an amazing human being that we’ve been cherished to be involved with. We wish you all the best and hopefully we can have a beer soon.

Bruce McAvaney
Channel 7 commentator
What an achievement! It’s hard to imagine just the sweat and the strain that goes into playing 319 games. The big fella (Jonathan Brown) has thrown the challenge out, he reckons ‘Bulldog’ Murray is the one you’ve got to go for now. So forget about Marcus (Ashcroft’s) record, it’s ‘Bulldog’ Murray’s you’re going to have to break. So you’re going to have to play on next year. I’ve loved watching you, and loved calling you, and whatever you do in the future, when it happens, I know you’ll be very successful. Pretty good footy commentator too mate. Off you go enjoy the night.  

Graeme ‘Gubby’ Allan
Former Brisbane Lions Football Manager
Hey mate, congratulations on breaking the record number of games at the Lions. As I’ve always said, I think you’re in the top four players I’ve ever seen in my whole life. A true champion, well done mate. 

Tom Harley
Former Geelong Captain and Channel 7 commentator
Blacky, well done on (breaking) the games record for the Brisbane Lions. Never has there been a more admired player. I got nowhere near you on the field, but admired your great work from afar – particularly the sides that you played in during the early 2000s. We tried to emulate that at Geelong. You should be really proud of the indelible imprint you’ve left on the game. You’re an absolute champion mate, well done.

Kevin Sheedy
GWS Senior Coach
Look I’ll be glad when you retire and I’ve seen the end of you because you cost me a premiership. I don’t love you anymore. What a great career, unbelievable. (You’re) still shoving out those 45 metre handballs – it’s sickening, absolutely sickening. I tell you now, I know Leigh Matthews would never of taught you how to handball because he wouldn’t of known how to himself.   

Shane Heal
Australia basketball legend
Simon Black – what a legend, what a footballer. He’d look better in Giants colours though I reckon. Congratulations mate I’m a massive fan, great effort.  

Dennis Cometti
Channel 7 commentator
Simon, congratulations. It’s a long journey from East Fremantle to what you’re about to achieve. Commentators broadcast a lot of football during the course of their years behind the microphone – I know I have going back to the early 70s dare I say it, but there are some players that stick in your mind and Simon you’re one of them. That Grand Final performance when you won the Norm Smith is one game I’ll never forget. Well done it’s been a terrific performance over a number of years but memorable certainly by myself. Wonderful stuff Simon Black.