Simon Black will re-sign with the Brisbane Lions

SIMON Black has officially re-signed with the Brisbane Lions, penning a one-year extension to ensure he lines up in season No. 16.

Black

SIMON Black has officially re-signed with the Brisbane Lions.

The 33-year-old put pen to paper today to confirm he extend his glittering AFL career to a 16th season in 2013.

The payment structure had been a sticking point in negotiations but Black – a triple premiership player and 2002 Brownlow Medallist – and the Lions have found common ground.

“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,” Black said on Brisbane’s website.

“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 played his 300th senior match in Round 5 this year to become the first player in AFL history to achieve the ‘big four’ of a premiership medal, Brownlow Medal, Norm Smith Medal and the 300-game milestone.

The midfielder, who finished the year on 314 games, also has three All-Australian and three Lions best-and-fairest gongs to his name.

He requires 20 more senior appearances to break the combined games record for Fitzroy/Brisbane which is held by Kevin Murray on 333.

Brisbane football manager Dean Warren was delighted the Black deal had been done.

“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,” he 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.”