According to his former Premiership Senior Coach Leigh Matthews, probably not.
Matthews ranked Black’s effort as one of his most prevailing memories from the 2003 Grand Final, when the Lions secured an historic Three-Peat of Premierships.
In fairness, selecting just one of Black’s countless match-winning efforts throughout his illustrious career is like trying to name a single best hit from The Beatles - there are simply too many to choose from.
But Matthews claims the high-pressure occasion is what made his performance so remarkable. In fact, many claim it to be one of the greatest individual Grand Final efforts since Gary Ablett Sr kicked nine goals against Hawthorn in 1989.
It came as no surprise to see Black unanimously voted as the deserving recipient of the 2003 Norm Smith Medal.
At the launch of the Club’s 3-Peat Anniversary celebration, Black humbly played down suggestions that the 2003 Grand Final was his finest game, but said it was “certainly the most enjoyable”.
“I’m not sure if it was the best game I’ve ever played, but it would be very close to it,” Black said.
“From a fair way out from the final siren we probably knew we were going to win the game, and I distinctly remember the enjoyment we all had running around in the last half an hour.”
“It’s the most I have ever enjoyed footy in my life - and I’m sure most of the guys would say the same thing.”
“That’s what sticks in my mind (about the 2003 Grand Final), and will do until the day I die I’m sure.”
