Brisbane Lions champion Dayne Zorko will continue his highly decorated career for a 13th season after signing a new one-year deal to play on in 2024.
Zorko, who played his 250th game in this year’s Grand Final, sits 10th for games played at the Lions – with the chance to move as high as seventh next year.
The veteran will also look to add to an impressive resume consisting of All-Australian honours, five Club Best and Fairest awards and two Club Leading Goalkicker awards.
The former Lions captain will start next season at the ripe age of 35, though is confident he will be able to help the Lions in their pursuit of further success.
“I am really happy to be going around again with a group that has so much potential and that is on the cusp of achieving something special,” Zorko said.
“I feel like I am still contributing to the team in terms of my on-field performances, and I believe I have plenty to offer this group off the field through leadership and my experience.
“After having a taste of playing in the Grand Final it has spurred me on to go again and I can’t wait to get back to work this preseason and prepare for an exciting 2024.”
Zorko finished off his 2023 campaign strongly and was at times one of the Lions best performed players, leading to the Club offering him a new contract.
Two of the 34-year-old’s best games saw him collect a season-best 25 disposals against Essendon, as well as 22 disposals and 12 marks against St Kilda.
The evergreen veteran’s continued performances stemmed from an inspiring pre-season that had him in top shape after shedding eight kilograms and running strongly.
Brisbane Lions General Manager of Football, Danny Daly, said the Club was thrilled to have Zorko pulling the boots on for another season.
“Dayne has worked incredibly hard over the last 12 months to make sure he continues to get the best out of himself and his football shows he has,” Daly said.
“While Dayne knows he isn’t getting any younger, as a club we believe he still has plenty to offer.”
Zorko has played 250 games and kicked 224 goals since making his debut in 2012.
He arrived at Brisbane after coming through with AFL Queensland talent pathway with Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.
Zorko and the Brisbane Lions will return to the Club for pre-season training later this month.
