By Sam Lord
Lions superstar Simon Black has can add yet another significant achievement to his already impressive AFL resume after being named in the first ever Multicultural Team of Champions.
Black joined former premiership teammate Alastair Lynch as one of only two Club representatives named in the 22-man team.
The announcement was made at a special event held at Crown in Melbourne on Tuesday, and comes as part of the AFL’s Multicultural Round celebration.
Black was eligible considering his father was born in New Zealand, while Lynch has family origins in England.
“We’re obviously thrilled to have the most decorated player in Lions history, Simon Black, represent the Club in this Team of Champions. I’m sure both he and his family will cherish this latest achievement,” Lions CEO Malcolm Holmes told lions.com.au following the announcement.
“As a proud ‘Kiwi’ myself, I believe it’s a terrific initiative from the AFL to formally recognise those players from multicultural backgrounds who have made a profound contribution to the game.”
AFL Legends Jock McHale and Alex Jesaulenko were named as coach and captain respectively of the Australia Post AFL Multicultural Team of Champions.
The team comprises the period 1896 – 2013 and in order to be considered for selection, players must have been born overseas or have at least one parent born overseas.
AFL Deputy CEO said the Australia Post AFL Multicultural Team of Champions has been chosen to recognise the achievement of players from multicultural backgrounds.
Nick Riewoldt (Germany) and Daniel Kerr (India) were the only other current-day players selected in the side.
Simon Black
Father born in NEW ZEALAND
Playing Career: Brisbane 1998-2013
Games: 320, Goals: 170
Finals: 20, Grand Finals: 2001-04
Premierships: 2001-03
Norm Smith Medallist: 2003
Brownlow Medallist: 2002
Best & Fairest: 2001-02, 2006
All Australian: 2001-02, 2004
Brisbane Lions Co-Captain: 2007-08
Alastair Lynch
ENGLAND
Playing Career: Fitzroy 1988-93; Brisbane 1994-2004
Games: 306, Goals: 633
Finals: 20, Grand Finals: 2001-04
Premierships: 2001-03
State of Origin games: 6 (Tasmania)
Best & Fairest: 1993
Fitzroy leading goal kicker: 1993
Brisbane leading goal kicker: 1996, 2000-03
All Australian: 1993
Brisbane Co-Captain: 1997-2000
Fitzroy Team of the Century
story courtesy of www.lions.com.au
