Lions Captain Dayne Zorko has long been highly regarded by his coaches and players for his never-say-die attitude and relentless energy in his eight seasons at the Club.
But now, nearly two years after the 30-year-old received his first All Australian blazer, the entire AFL community is taking note, with “Tinka” dominating the Champion Data statistics.
Zorko has played all 11 games for the Lions this year and sits within the top three for five key statistics. He leads the competition of for pressure acts and tackles. He sits second for kicks inside 50 and score assists and is equal third in the competition for goal assists. This is an incredible feat for one person, in a competition of more than 800 players.
Highlights have included 11 tackles, 29 disposals and one goal in the team’s Round 7 victory over the Sydney Swans. In Round 9 in their win over the Adelaide Crows he had 20 disposals, 1 goal and a season high 12 tackles.
His midfield coach Dale Tapping told lions.com.au last month that Zorko’s statistics are of no surprise to him or the playing group.
“For me it’s always been there,” Tapping said.
“I think now, it probably ties in with us winning more games, so people start to take notice.”
Zorko will lead the team against Carlton on Saturday afternoon at Marvel Stadium.
Pressure Acts – Number 1
Tackles – Number 1 (number 2 on averages)
Kicks Inside 50s – Number 2
Score Assists – Number 2
Goal Assists – Was leading a few weeks ago but now equal 3rd
