On the brink of potentially groundbreaking AFL Grand Finals this Saturday, the Brisbane Lions’ loyal veteran, Dayne Zorko, assured he is far from considering retirement, whether the Lions emerge victorious or not.
Previously at the helm of captaincy, Zorko clarified his stand amidst uncertainty about his future, during the final training session in Brisbane. Indications pointed towards his retirement, following the premiership, a landmark moment commemorating Zorko’s 250th AFL appearance. But it seems these boots aren’t ready to rest just yet.
Annoyed by rumors about his potential retirement after the grand final, the stalwart expressed his disdain and put the speculation to rest. Zorko believes questions about his retirement arise merely from age-related prejudices, while his performance level over the past year suggests the contrary. Asserting his physical fitness, he sees no reason to retire next year.
Zorko’s return from a calf injury in July has been instrumental for the Lions, guiding them to their first grand final after 2004. His journey with the Lions began in 2012, experiencing a rollercoaster ride from losing the final to Port Adelaide, the hopeful champ chase for a fourth consecutive premiership, down to the upcoming final this weekend against Collingwood.
Joining Brisbane from Gold Coast Suns, Zorko noted his unique journey to 250 top-flight games, savoring its climax on the colossal stage against Collingwood. He reflected on the privilege of playing a celebrated game like AFL, reaching a significant personal milestone of 250 games, coinciding with the grand final.
Looking forward to tackling the grand final weekend with the hardworking Lions team, Zorko expressed gratitude for his teammate and brother-in-law, Ryan Lester. Lester debuted for the Lions in 2011 and has since made a comeback, even securing a spot in the grand finals due to his consistently remarkable performance. Zorko applauded Lester’s relentless hustling to regain his position in the team and his domineering presence at AFL this year.
An extension of the celebratory occasion is the presence of Zorko’s father, Alex, in the MCG crowd. His journey to Melbourne was facilitated by none other than the Lions’ ever-supportive team member Noah Answerth, who, despite enduring a challenging phase in his own career, displayed a selfless act of community within the Lions’ team. Zorko was left awestruck by such a show of solidarity, hinting at the values nurtured within the Lions’ family.
Regardless of the grand finale’s outcome, the Lions’ resilience, team spirit, and determination shine through, guaranteeing legacies for veterans like Zorko and up-and-coming players like Lester. The energy is palpable, the tension among teams is high, and anticipation rides among eager spectators, all waiting to witness the unfolding of this spectacular AFL grand final.
