Superstar midfielder Simon Black is approaching the 2013 season as though it could be his last.

Black, who turns 34 in April, told The Courier Mail on Tuesday that he understands the end of his AFL career is nigh - but he isn’t ready to make any retirement announcements just yet.

"I'm under no illusions that this may well be my last year, so I'm just trying to get my body right and into some short of shape so I can play some good footy and really enjoy the year," Black told The Courier Mail.

"When you look back at your footy career, you want to have memories of playing good footy and being around your teammates in a winning dressing room so that's what I'm hoping for." 

"If it is my last one, then I can walk away knowing I've had a very enjoyable finish to a very enjoyable journey."

If Black’s form over recent seasons is any indicator, then the 2002 Brownlow Medallist could potentially play on for another two or three years - an outcome that would delight fans.

And even though he will be the second oldest player in the merged Club’s history at the end 2013 (behind Alastair Lynch), Black remains one of the Lions’ prime ball-winners and clearance specialists.