Black, 33, said the development of the Lions’ playing group over the past 12 months made the decision an easy one for him.
“It’s fantastic to extend my career another year at the Club and I’m excited and thrilled to be a part of the playing group going forward into next year,” he said.
“We’re under no illusions as to how much further we’ve got to improve, but there’s some good signs there and the group is really tight, united, and there’s some really strong mateship.”
“Now I’ll have a few weeks rest and look forward to jumping back into pre-season in a few weeks’ time.”
Black’s career highlights include three premierships with the Lions, a Brownlow Medal, a Norm Smith Medal, three-time All Australian selection, and three Club Best and Fairest awards.
In Round 5, 2012, Black became the first player in the history of the AFL/VFL to achieve arguably the four highest honours in the game: a Brownlow Medal, a Premiership, a Norm Smith Medal, and his 300-game milestone.
And in addition to his many other accolades, at 314 senior games, he is just 20 games shy of breaking the Club’s all-time games record currently held by Kevin Murray, on 333. Marcus Ashcroft holds the post-merger Club record of 318 games - also now in Black’s sights.
Lions’ General Manager, Football Operations, Dean Warren, said the Club was thrilled with Black’s decision.
“Blacky is just the kind of guy that you want around your footy Club - not only is he an exceptional footballer and a champion of the game, but he’s a terrific role model to our young brigade coming through,” Warren said.
“He’s been an outstanding servant of this Club over the years and I know our members and supporters will be delighted to see him back out on the field again in 2013.”
