The Brisbane Lions’ most decorated player, Simon Black, is set to play his first State League match in 14 years when he lines up for the Reserves this Saturday afternoon at Coorparoo.

It will be Black’s first official hit-out for 2013, after knee surgery grounded him for much of the pre-season.

The Club decided it would be best for the Brownlow Medallist to be eased back through the NEAFL before being considered for senior selection.

“He’s moving very well and feeling good,” Reserves Coach Leigh Harding told lions.com.au.

“We’ll obviously monitor his load, but I expect he’ll spend most of his time on the field in the centre.”

“I wouldn't know the last time he played a reserves game.”

The last time Black played a reserves match was back in Round 3 of 1999 – the beginning of his second AFL season.

He won’t be the only big name inclusion for the Lions Reserves side this weekend, with Brent Staker also expected to make his long-awaited return.

After being limited to just seven matches over the past two years due to an unfortunate run of knee injuries, Staker will likely take a little more time to regain match fitness. 

“I’d say we will start him with half a game, and then start building him up over a couple of weeks,” Harding said.

Jesse O’Brien is also an outside chance of returning from a persistent groin injury.

The potential big-name inclusions come at fortuitous time for the Lions Reserves, who will be without Callum Bartlett and Patrick Wearden who both suffered facial fractures in last Sunday’s win over the Gold Coast.

Sam Docherty, who was the Reserves’ best player against Gold Coast last week, will also be absent after earning his first senior call-up this weekend.

The Lions will be hoping to maintain their unbeaten start to the NEAFL season when they host Dayne Zorko’s former club Broadbeach at Coorparoo.

The Cats have shown they can match it with the best after knocking off 2012 Grand Finalists the NT Thunder earlier this season.

“They won their first game against the Thunder over in the Northern Territory which is a terrific effort,” Harding said.

“They did play in very heavy conditions last week, although come off a seven-day break as opposed to our six-day break. It should be a great contest.”

Lions fans are encouraged to head down to Giffin Park in Coorparoo this Saturday 20 April to witness a piece of history as Simon Black represents the Reserves against Broadbeach. The match is scheduled to start at 1:30pm.