Lions coach’s ‘super power’ as Zorko eyes more history
Murray Wenzel |
Dayne Zorko has revealed coach Chris Fagan’s “super power” as the ageless Brisbane Lions star eyes another AFL milestone.
The reigning premiers play Collingwood on Saturday for a spot in their third-straight decider.
Already the fifth-oldest man to play in an AFL grand final, the 36-year-old would jump to second on that list behind only Michael Tuck (38) with Hawthorn in 1991.
The oldest All-Australian last year and oldest to 300 games earlier this year, Zorko is signed through 2026 and remains a key part of Fagan’s side with his bold, incisive ball movement.
“We know what we need to do. Going out and implementing it is a different beast,” Zorko told SEN on Tuesday.
“A high-pressured game and obviously the stakes are enormous.
“It’s an interesting battle; we line up in a similar sort of way and it’ll be system verse system.”
Brisbane bounced back from a week-one finals loss to Geelong, smashing Gold Coast on Saturday to reach a fourth-straight preliminary final.
It continued a theme of the season that’s seen the Lions bounce back on five separate occasions from poor showings.
That includes against the Magpies at the MCG after a 66-point loss to the Suns less than two months ago.
“That’s his superpower,” Zorko said of his coach.
“He trusts and believes that blokes have bad days, they’re not always going to get it right.
“But he always gives them a chance rebound and try and fix what we created.
“His loyalty in that sense is absolutely incredible.”
Their task this weekend will be to maintain the level, rather than seek a response.
“Our pressure was back to where it should be and to have any sort of chance we need to bring that,” Zorko said.
Midfielder Hugh McCluggage said winning last year’s title hadn’t quelled their thirst for more silverware, particularly with the return of key men that missed the 2024 triumph.
“We saw with Oscar (McInerney) coming back into the team … it provided a lot of energy, and it’s a little bit of extra motivation to try and go all the way for those boys,” he said.
“Although we won it last year, it just doesn’t seem like that’s enough.
“You always want to go again and you want to keep chasing.
“We’ve been hunted this year as the reigning premiers, been able to battle through all the adversity.
“It just starts again now, and there’s no looking ahead further than this week for any of the boys, even the guys that didn’t get to play in that premiership last year.”
OLDEST AFL GRAND FINALISTS:
* Michael Tuck (Hawthorn, 1991) – 38 years, 96 days
* Gary Ablett Jnr (Geelong, 2020) – 36 years 163 days
* Alastair Lynch (Brisbane Lions, 2004) – 36 years 98 days
* Craig Bradley (Carlton, 1999) – 35 years, 337 days
* Dayne Zorko (Brisbane Lions, 2024) – 35 years, 332 days.
AAP
