Simon Black will play on for a remarkable 16th season in 2013 after Brisbane Lions coach Michael Voss revealed the veteran midfielder is about to pen a one-year contract extension.
The 33-year-old is technically an unrestricted free agent but looks set to remain a one-club player for life as he stretches his glittering career for another year.
The 2002 Brownlow Medallist has played 314 games, but despite his advancing years he was one of Brisbane's best in his 18 appearances this season.
Voss, a former triple-premiership team-mate of Black's, said his old friend was spurred on by the prospect of further success at the club with an encouraging Lions group making significant strides.
"We're expecting we'll have something soon there. It's in the soon basket," Voss told reporters on Thursday.
"I'll find out a little bit more today. I think it's all going fine, it's in a good space. We hope to announce what's happening there shortly."
Brisbane finished their season on Sunday with a third consecutive win, a convincing 67-point victory over the Western Bulldogs, giving them some positive motivation heading into their off-season break.
"The thing is he's done a lot of hard work, and if we can get a bit of success, I think that's also in the forefront of his mind," Voss said.
"Not just the fact he can watch this emerging midfield group come through ... but he is desperate for team success, even a guy like Blacky who has seen a bit of that.
"We have to use that as a driving motivator. He's keen to make sure he gets the chance to mentor this group."
Black is one of 18 Brisbane players who will head to Arizona in November for a high-altitude training camp.
Throughout 2012, the veteran was excused from a number of mid-week training sessions, and Voss said his pre-season routine will be tailored to his needs.
"For Blacky it's shorter efforts and longer rest. That's what his pre-season will look like," the coach said.
"We've just got to make sure mentally and physically he's ready to go. He knows what it takes to get to the line.
"His pre-season will take on a modified version in terms of how much he's here.
"We've talked about his involvement pre-Christmas and how much he does.
"He's such a professional, you have no doubt he'll do everything he possibly can and he can lean on some of the things he's done in the last 15 or 16 pre-seasons and bank it a little."
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