Brisbane Lions Dayne Zorko returns for 13th AFL season

Dayne Zorko will be a Brisbane Lions player for another season. The 35-year-old has just signed a new one-year contract. 

Brisbane Lions’ Dayne Zorko has decided to give it a go in the AFL for at least another year. The 35-year-old has just signed a new contract with Lions, keeping him at the club through the 2024 AFL season. This upcoming season will be Zorko’s 13th season with Brisbane.  

Grand Final success motivates Zorko

Dayne Zorko is already 35 years old. In football terms, this is quite old age. His experiences also back this up. Zorko has played in 12 AFL seasons to date and has racked up 250 appearances for his club. Additionally, the veteran was team captain for nearly half a decade and five club best and fairest awards and a 2017 All-Australian nomination. 
 
By any metric, Dayne Zorko has had a phenomenal career. No one would criticise him for hanging up his boots now. If you ask Zorko what he thinks though, he will say that his life is just getting started. 
 
 In the past year, the Queensland-born midfielder and forward has gotten married and experienced his first ever AFL Grand Final. According to Zorko, these experiences have driven him to keep going for another season.  
 
"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," said Zorko, “"After having a taste of playing in the Grand Final, it has spurred me on to go again." 

Zorko and Lions think he can still contribute

As good as it is to see a club icon stick around for another season, what matters most is what Zorko delivers on the pitch. According to him, he still has plenty left to give.  
 
“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,” Zorko said of his new deal.  
 
Brisbane manager Danny Daly backed up Zorko’s comments, saying “While Dayne knows he isn't getting any younger, as a club we believe he still has plenty to offer.” 
 
If last year is anything to go off of, Zorko definitely can contribute to Brisbane this season. The forward and midfielder played 20 games last season and averaged 19 disposals and kicked eight goals. 

Brisbane’s 2024 AFL season chances 

Dayne Zorko’s new contract is just one of many storylines surrounding Brisbane this closed season. The club finished second in the AFL ladder last season and fell four points short of Collingwood in the Grand Final. Everyone at Lions wants to build on this success, which has meant numerous roster moves and ambitious squad building.  
 
Have these moves paid off? The betting sites seem to think so. Brisbane are second favourites to win the 2024 AFL Premiership at pretty much all Australian betting sites. The margin between Brisbane and Collingwood is so slim that some sites have Lions as favourites to win the league.  

If Brisbane are to win the 2024 AFL Premiership, Dayne Zorko probably won’t be the club’s best player during the season. With that being said, the Magician’s leadership qualities and willingness to play wherever he is needed are exactly the kinds of things Premiership-winning squads need to have.