Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan has expressed confidence that veteran star Dayne Zorko will play on next season, despite the 37-year-old being limited to just seven games this year due to injury.
Zorko's Renaissance and Legacy
Zorko, who turns 38 in February, has been a crucial figure in Brisbane's back-to-back premierships. His switch from forward-midfield to halfback at the start of 2024 sparked a remarkable late-career renaissance. If he continues next year, he could surpass Brownlow medallist Simon Black as the Lions' all-time games record-holder.
Currently the second-oldest active player in the AFL behind Scott Pendlebury, Zorko's experience is highly valued. “If he finishes the year off well, I’m sure that he’ll get another contract next year,” Fagan said on Tuesday. “I wouldn’t have thought that’s in any doubt. He’s had a few injury challenges this year, but he’s working hard to get his body right and we’ll give him every opportunity to play on next year. At our club, given the career that he’s had, it’ll be his call whether to go on or not.”
Potential Departures and Zorko's Role
Zorko's involvement could be vital if fellow veteran Lachie Neale and free agent Zac Bailey depart at season's end. Bailey is weighing up lucrative offers, with Adelaide the frontrunner, while Neale faces personal crossroads after a public marriage breakdown. “You can’t beat experience,” Fagan said. “He’s a good playing coach within the group that’s helping others. His story is an amazing story. He wasn’t an 18-year-old prodigy, it took him until he was 23 to break in and start up his career, so he’s got a lot of life lessons that he can pass on to others about perseverance and resilience. He’s not hesitant to pass that on to others and he wants to leave a legacy. I’m sure he’ll leave a great legacy.”
Injury Updates and Upcoming Match
Zorko (quad) and co-captain Hugh McCluggage (calf) will miss Thursday night's crucial game against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium but could return the following week against last-placed Essendon. Key forward Oscar Allen is tracking for an earlier-than-expected return within three weeks after recovering from a broken foot.
The upcoming clash marks the sixth time the Lions have faced the Cats since the start of 2025. Brisbane holds a 3-2 record in those meetings, including last year's grand final win, but Geelong defeated them by 41 points at the Gabba in Round 10. “It’s a bit like when Federer played Nadal in tennis, we win one, they win one, we win one, they win one,” Fagan said. “It’s a huge challenge, but we’ll see how we go. We definitely want to play better than we did last time against them and we feel like we can.”
