Black’s decorated 16-year AFL career should see him eventually earn ‘Legend’ status at the Club, which is reserved only for the absolute elite.
Murray was one of two inaugural Legends – along with Haydn Bunton Snr – inducted at the Lions’ inaugural Hall of Fame ceremony last year, and couldn’t speak highly enough of Black’s ‘outstanding career’.
“They threw the mould away when they made Simon Black – he’s just one of those special people and special players,” Murray told lions.com.au.
“The important thing about him was that he was such a great team man and never caused any trouble.
“He had a great name all through the AFL and that shows the respect for the man.
“I just want to congratulate him on an outstanding career. It was a pleasure to know the fella.”
Although Black departs the game as Brisbane’s games record holder, his 322 senior matches fell just 11 shy of Kevin Murray’s all-time Club record with Fitzroy.
Murray has openly said that he would have been more than happy to hand over that mantle to Black, whose supreme durability is rare in the modern game.
"He got close (to the record), but he did tell me at the Club Champion dinner last month that he was in a bit of trouble after getting a bad report on his knee," Murray said.
"I just can’t believe how great a footballer he was. He played all those games in 16 seasons – it took me 18 seasons to play mine, and I didn’t miss a League game in my last 16 years."
