Retirement may not be on Simon Black's mind - but the Brisbane Lions veteran admits he will be playing the 2011 AFL season as if it is his last.

The Brownlow Medallist said he was jumping out of his skin as he prepared for his 14th season.

And the triple premiership winner said he never thought about walking away before agreeing to sign on for another year with stalwart Luke Power - albeit on a dramatically reduced wage due to salary cap pressures.

But Black did not have to be told he would have to assess his future on a season to season basis - and 2011 may yet be his swansong.

"I am 32 next year. You never know when your last one (season) is so you play as if it is your last," Black said.

"Luke and I are at that stage now. You've got to go out and try and enjoy every moment.

"I still love the game as much as I did when I was 18.

"You enjoy it more when you have success and we didn't have a lot of that last year."

Turning around the Lions' fortunes is certainly motivating Black.

A season after making the finals, the Lions began 2010 well with four straight wins - only to finish 13th with a woeful 3-15 finish.

"I never thought I wanted to retire (before re-signing) - it was just frustrating," Black said of the Lions.

"But of course towards the end of the season we will see how we go (about his future).

"You crave for a bit more success as a group - hopefully we can get that next year.

"I am hoping we can play a bit better next year because we need to - we we're a fair way off the mark."

Black resumed pre-season training late last week along with Power and captain Jonathan Brown.

He said he had to "listen to the body" more and tailor his training in order to get through yet another season.

And then there's the Gabba surface.

Black said he "wasn't surprised" with Gold Coast Suns recruit and ex-Lion Jared Brennan this week claiming he had suffered a serious ankle injury due to the Gabbasurface and its cricket wicket area.

"The Gabba is a very hard surface," Black said.

"Whether it has cut the timing of some careers there is probably an argument - some guys probably thought it would.

"But I am not sure what they can do with it.

"It comes off a concrete base I believe, it is great for water run-off but not for the surface of the ground - we will have to live with it."

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