It is an absolute must that Simon Black is afforded the appropriate send-off which his close mate Luke Power was denied. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: The Courier-Mail
MANAGING Simon Black's exit is going to be an important challenge for the Brisbane Lions in the second half of the AFL season.
The transition into retirement is always an issue in elite sport.
Given Luke Power's farewell two years ago was hardly a public relations blockbuster for the Lions, it is imperative they get it right this time with Black.
The sight of the 2002 Brownlow medallist in green or red substitutes vests during the past 12 months has created plenty of public comment.
The sitution is made more difficult by the fact that, for the first time in his illustrious career, the champion midfielder does not have a decent pre-season under his belt.
Black is limited in what he can contribute in comparison to previous years, and maximising his output is a delicate balancing act.
Last week against Fremantle, when Black was subbed out of his record-breaking 319th AFL game for the club, one commentator took a swipe at coach Michael Voss by suggesting it was like "killing Bambi".
That commentator did not know that Black had been sick during the week and, in typically unselfish fashion, had made the call himself. Blacky will never complain, but nobody wants to take advantage of that or do the wrong thing by the future Hall of Famer.
It is all about treating the retiring champion with due respect, and the key is communication between the player and the coaching and conditioning staff.
Black, among the most professional and competitive players I have seen, is still a fantastic ball-winner. But there is no making up for his lack of preparation and everyone, including fans, has to remember that.
It is going to be all about managing expectations and ground time so as to maximise his contribution in what I expect to be the last 11 games of his career, starting with Geelong at the Gabba today.
It is an absolute must that 34-year-old Black is afforded the appropriate send-off which his close mate Power was denied when he made a rushed decision to retire late in the 2011 season, missing the final game of the season in Sydney.
Without apportioning blame, teammates arrived at the Gabba for the round 23 game against West Coast not knowing it was to be Power's swansong.
What should have been a momentous occasion fell a little flat.
It's a shame that the Lions' last game this year will be away to Geelong. So the round 23 clash with the Western Bulldogs at the Gabba will be the last chance for Brisbane fans to celebrate what has been a magnificent career.
I'm sure it will be done well.
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