Black back to his best for Lions: Voss - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Black back to his best for Lions: Voss

By Laine Clark 15/05/2009 04:23:15 PM Comments (0)

In an ominous warning to Adelaide, Brisbane Lions coach Michael Voss reckons Simon Black is back to his best after a disastrous pre-season.

And in an even scarier thought for the wounded Crows ahead of Saturday night's Gabba clash, Black believes Voss ain't seen nothing yet.

Black had what he described as the "worst" pre-season in his 11 year AFL career.

Injury and illness ensured the Brownlow Medalist did not play a game before running out against West Coast in the AFL season opener.

In just seven rounds, the champion onballer already looks like the Black of old to an excited Voss.

"He didn't have a long pre-season, but we knew if we spent a month getting some game time into him, not having high expectations of what he can do, slowly he would be able to build his game," Voss said.

"It has come together for him."

Indeed Black has been in superb touch, helping the Lions win back-to-back matches for the first time under Voss.

It seems the only person not happy with Black's form is the man himself.

"I'm still not there yet," he told AAP.

"I'm still not playing at my absolute best but I am getting there.

"I am confident I will in the next couple of weeks.

"It just shows the difference a pre-season makes."

Black is trying to forget his countdown to 2009 which included ankle surgery, a broken wrist, a crook back and a bad bout of `flu.

However, the horror lead-up did not make Black reassess his 2009 goals.

"They are still the same. I want to make sure that I still have a significant impact on the game," he said.

Black has provided wonderful service, ensuring forwards Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw have helped themselves to a total of 44 goals from seven games.

Bradshaw is now just two shy of Alastair Lynch's Brisbane (1994-2004) goal-kicking record with the Bears and Lions of 460 majors.

Brown is second in the Coleman Medal hunt with 24 goals.

Matt Austin becomes the third Lions player to make his AFL debut this season after replacing Troy Selwood (concussion).

Selwood is still suffering headaches following last round's sickening clash with Richmond's Alex Rance.

"They (debutants) bring that genuine enthusiasm to the team," Voss said.

"At the same time you've got to be careful of how many you do have in one particular team.

"You've got to blend the experience and the youth at the same time so we've maxed out (on youth) as much as we want to be at this particular stage."

The Lions (4-3; 6th) take on an Adelaide (3-4; 12th) outfit still smarting from beltings at the hands of arch rival Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs.

Brisbane have won 12 of their 19 matches against Adelaide but the Crows have had the edge recently, taking out three of the last four.

The Crows are reeling from key defender Nathan Bock's withdrawal with a hamstring injury.

Brought to you by AAP AAP © 2024 AAP

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