Simon Black has done it all; three-time premiership player, Norm Smith Medallist, Brownlow medallist, multiple best and fairest winner, All-Australian and when he runs onto Subiaco oval to play Fremantle on Saturday night he will become the Brisbane/Brisbane Lions games record holder.

Black will play AFL game number 319 and surpass former teammate Marcus Ashcroft, who said he couldn’t think of anyone more deserving than the “unassuming” Black.

“He deserves it (the games record). If anyone was going to break it, I’m glad it’s him … he is a true champion,” Ashcroft said.

“He has achieved pretty much everything you can in footy but he still just goes out there and does his job every week. He probably doesn’t get the kudos he deserves but then again he doesn’t go searching for them either.”

Black made his debut in 1998 and 16 seasons later he is not showing any signs of slowing down despite being 34 years old. He had a delayed start to 2013 because of a knee injury but amassed 34 possessions last week against Collingwood.

As a teammate and someone who has played directly opposed to Black, former Eagle and current Lion, Brent Staker said there is no more deserving champion of the game.

As an opponent, Staker was amazed by his poise and skill, but as a teammate its Black’s warmth and humility that has had the greatest impact.

“I had the pleasure of playing on him one time when I was at West Coast, he had plenty of tricks, he always seemed to slip under my arm when I tackled him so he got plenty of free kicks,” Staker said.

“Everyone knows him as a really nice guy and he will leave the game with an incredible legacy” – Brent Staker.

“Everyone knows him as a really nice guy and he will leave the game with an incredible legacy.”

Staker said the secret to Black’s longevity is his attention to detail in training and preparation for games.

“This year we have been through the pre-season together with knee injuries and he has been my weights partner. I’ve had the joy of seeing how hard he works in the gym, but at the same time we’ve had a lot of fun and a lot of jokes.”

“Simon has never left a stone unturned and he always does the best he possibly can.

Black also does his best on the dance floor too, Staker revealed when asked if he there was something fans didn’t know about the squeaky-clean Black.

“One thing he does love, which is probably a secret he wouldn’t like me saying, is he loves having a boogie on the dance floor. The left leg starts to wobble to the music, then the right hand starts clicking,” Staker laughed.

The humble Black said the enormity of the milestone hasn’t sunk in yet.

“It will probably be one of those things that really hits you after you’ve retired and you look back at things.”