One of Brisbane’s most successful and highly credentialed captains, Dayne Zorko, has made the call to step down as skipper after five years in the role.
Zorko first took over the reins as interim captain for most of the 2018 season, leading the team for the first time onto the Gabba in Round 10 against Sydney.
His captaincy was made official ahead of the 2019 season. The former Queensland junior becoming the 57th person to captain the Brisbane Lions in their combined 133-year VFL/AFL history of Fitzroy and the Brisbane Bears, and the 11th captain post-merger.
In his first official year in the role, Zorko led the Lions to their first finals appearance in 10 years and since then has been prolific from both an individual and leadership perspective guiding them to September football every year since.
He has led the team for 105 games, placing him in a special group of Lions greats that have captained the Club; Michael Voss (210), Jonathan Brown (128) and Roger Merrett (125).
Forever a Lions legend, Zorko has a long list of career highlights including playing 230 AFL games, has been awarded the Club’s highest honour, the Merrett-Murray Medal five times (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021) and was named in the 2017 All Australian team and 2019 All Australian squad.
“It’s been a privilege and a pleasure to lead a Club with such incredible history and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be at its helm the past five years,” he said.
“Over my years as captain, I’m proud to have helped the Club be more respected again amongst the AFL world and to have helped lead the charge in the successes we’ve had on the field. I step down at a time when the Club is in really good hands and entering a new chapter.
“It’s something I have really, really thought about (stepping down) and wanted to do. I’m obviously coming towards the end of my career so I feel the timing is right to let the new leader find their own feet in the role. I’ll be there to support them the whole way in whatever way I can.”
Zorko’s story has always been one of resilience. A quick and gutsy midfielder, he’d dominated the local Queensland competition for a number of years as he rose through the ranks, but was overlooked by every AFL club in four consecutive drafts (2007-10).
In 2011 he got his call up to Brisbane, the following year the then 23-year-old made his debut in Round 7, 2012 and has never looked back, nabbing the nickname “The Magician” with his ability to kick freakish goals.
It was in Chris Fagan’s second year as Senior Coach that Zorko first took over as captain. The duo have been central figures in the Lions’ resurgence and Fagan says he will always cherish the bond the pair have formed.
“Dayne leaves an exceptional legacy after holding the captaincy at such a pivotal time in Lions history,” he said.
“He took over half-way through my second year. His leadership and drive have been key factors in our performance improvement, and you simply can’t argue with what the team has achieved under his captaincy.
“His achievements have extended off the field too, Dayne is a true Clubman and has always been one to put his hand up for the good of the Club.
“Dayne understands young leaders and I have no doubt he’ll help mentor our next captain.
“He is a fearless player, with a fierce determination in his own performance and also that of the team. Dayne will always be recognised as one of Brisbane’s most influential skippers.”
Zorko is expected to notch another milestone this season as he charges towards playing his 250th AFL game.
The Club will soon vote in its leadership group for Season 2023 before it appoints the 12th Brisbane Lions Captain over the coming weeks.
Zorko informed the playing group of his decision earlier this week.
