Lions star fined by AFL for targeting Cox’s goggles

Shayne Hope |

Dane Zorko has been fined by the AFL for targeting the protective goggles of Mason Cox.
Dane Zorko has been fined by the AFL for targeting the protective goggles of Mason Cox.

Brisbane Lions veteran Dayne Zorko has been fined by the AFL after he ripped off Mason Cox’s goggles during their fiery preliminary final clash.

Zorko can accept a $3125 penalty – down from $5000 with an early guilty plea – for misconduct.

But he is free to play in the Lions’ third straight grand final, when they take on Geelong at the MCG on Saturday.

Zorko and Cox were involved in a heated confrontation during the first quarter of Brisbane’s 29-point win over Collingwood.

It came after Zorko had given away a free kick to Cox, who then kicked the opening goal of the match and charged towards his opponent.

Players from both sides rushed in and Zorko intentionally grabbed Cox’s league-approved eyewear, which is used to protect his damaged retinas.

Cox
The clash between Mason Cox and Dane Zorko came after the Magpies ruckman kicked the opening goal. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

Cox was not seriously hurt in the incident and played out the match.

Meanwhile, Hawthorn have until Monday to decide whether to challenge Mabior Chol’s three-match ban for rough conduct.

Chol was charged over the tackle in Friday’s preliminary final that left Geelong’s Tom Stewart concussed and ruled out of the grand final.

AAP