Outgoing Lions skipper names three captaincy candidates

Shayne Hope and Murray Wenzel | February 15, 2023

Chris Fagan admits he isn’t sure who or how many players will captain Brisbane this year but that he’s happy Dayne Zorko was able to step down from the job on his own terms.

Zorko relinquished his post on Tuesday after four years in the full-time role, joining a growing list of club leaders around the competition who have opted to hand over the reins this season.

Players and coaches will vote to determine a leadership group this week and, if there is more than one willing captain, interviews will determine Zorko’s replacement.

Vice-captain Harris Andrews, Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale and 24-year-old midfield star Hugh McCluggage are three “clear candidates” according to Zorko.

But Fagan said recruits Jack Gunston and Josh Dunkley were potential skippers too.

“I feel like when I first came to the club (in 2017) we didn’t have many leaders, now I feel like we’ve got a lot,” the coach said after training on Wednesday.

“I have no idea who’ll come out on top, (or) one or two captains. 

“All things are on the table; you’ve got to read the situation and see what’s best for your group at any given time.”

The Lions ended their 10-year finals drought during Zorko’s first full season as skipper in 2019 and have reached the finals every year since.

Andrews, 26, was Zorko’s vice-captain for the last three seasons and has long been touted as a potential successor as skipper.

“He’s a really well respected voice amongst the playing group and around the club,” Zorko told SEN on Wednesday.

“He does everything right. He’s a really vocal leader.”

Zorko faced calls relinquish the role last year following his on-field sledge that brought Melbourne defender Harrison Petty to tears.

The 34-year-old rode out that storm and led the Lions to a preliminary final, with their flag hopes ended by eventual premiers Geelong.

“It was a bit of a storm in a teacup that story,” Fagan said when asked if that episode had influenced Zorko’s decision.

“If it had have been that serious we would have stood him down on the spot but it wasn’t as big and bad as it was painted.”

Zorko said he reached his decision on Monday with Brisbane coach Chris Fagan, opting to make the call himself before he was tapped on the shoulder.

“It’s been a two-year process,” Fagan said. 

“We chatted then and I said, ‘Mate, there’s going to come a time when you should think about whether you want to be captain or not’.

“I had a very open mind about it because I always wanted it to be his call.

“I’m not saying I would have tapped him … I’m so pleased he’s done it on his terms, that’s what I’m happy about.”