Simon Black boasts one of the most impressive AFL resumes in the history of the game, so it probably comes as no surprise that he has few rivals when it comes to Brownlow Medal night.
Black, who took home the AFL’s highest individual honour in 2002, became the greatest vote-getting in the Club’s combined history last year when he polled six votes to take his career tally to 179 – surpassing Fitzroy Legend, and fellow Brownlow Medallist, Kevin Murray in the process.
He is currently sixth on the AFL’s all-time votes list, one vote shy of former three-time winner Bob Skilton from South Melbourne.
Even though injury limited Black to just eight senior matches in 2013, he’s almost certain to poll at least one vote, which will be enough to see him join Skilton in a share of fifth place.
His 33-possession performance in the Lions’ greatest ever comeback against Geelong in Round 13 at the Gabba will surely net him a vote or two.
Black is also likely to poll in the Lions’ big win over Greater Western Sydney in Round 21 when he racked up 28 touches.
Tom Rockliff, meanwhile, is favoured to be the team’s leading vote-getter for the third successive season after polling nine votes in 2011 (equal most with Black) and eight in 2012 (equal most with Daniel Rich).
Rockliff is ranked equal third (with Daniel Merrett) among all current Lions players for most votes at the Brownlow Medal.
MOST CAREER BROWNLOW VOTES
246 Gary Dempsey (Foots/NM)
215 Robert Harvey (StK)
202 Leigh Matthews (Haw)
197 Chris Judd (WCE/Carl)
180 Bob Skilton (SM)
179 Simon Black (BL)
178 Nathan Buckley (Coll)
178 Kevin Murray (Fitz)
175 Scott West (WB)
172 Bill Hutchison (Ess)
Black in elite company
Simon Black has few rivals when it comes to Brownlow Medal night