Why Lions can defy AFL champion hoodoo and roar again
Dayne Zorko reckons Brisbane’s desire to replicate their 2024 success for those who missed out will help them buck a trend that’s plagued recent AFL premiers.
A glance at Brisbane‘s swollen rehabilitation group shows what is driving the Lions’ efforts to avoid a fate that has plagued three of the past four AFL premiers.
Brutal conditions greeted the champions in their official pre-season return at a humid Springfield on Monday, although most senior players had shown up a week ago to run with the rookies.
Collingwood’s failed defence this year saw them join 2022 champions Geelong and 2020 premiers Richmond as non-finalists the season after lifting the cup.
The Western Bulldogs were other reigning champions to miss the top eight in 2017, and 2021 winners Melbourne made the following post-season but lost both finals games.
The Lions have been contenders since a breakout 2019 season and were narrowly beaten in last year’s decider against Collingwood, before overcoming a spate of key, early-season injuries and a poor start to manufacture an incredible premiership success story in 2024.
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“There’s going to be talk about premiership hangovers and everything like that,” veteran Lion Dayne Zorko said on Monday.
“But this group has matured so much over the last six years (of finals campaigns), we’ve encountered so many scenarios but always come out and improved.
“So we just need to keep improving. We’d love to buck that trend and get back to that day in September again.”
Zorko became the oldest All-Australian at 35 this year, his selection coming seven years after his first nod.
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Confirming he’ll likely remain at half-back next season, he said the motivation for most of the squad was staring them in the face.
“There were a lot of players, stalwarts, who missed out,” Zorko said of their injured players.
“They have to re-earn their spots in the side, but if they do we want them to experience the same thing.
“Over six years, the hardships and losses … it’d be great to recreate that feeling for them.”
Sixteen players ran in the rehabilitation group on Monday, Keidean Coleman, Lincoln McCarthy, Tom Doedee and Darcy Gardiner among them. All were moving freely after suffering long-term knee injuries early last season.
Draftee Sam Marshall and Levi Ashcroft are also pushing for AFL debuts, Marshall setting the pace to fill the void left by noted runner Harry Sharp, who was traded to Melbourne.
Veteran tall forward Sam Day, delisted by Gold Coast, has arrived as a potential replacement for the retired Joe Daniher.
“Get your work done now,” Zorko said of the players’ mentality.
“There’s a lot of guys coming back from rehab … and the majority are starters.
“So the guys on the track have to put their case forward.
“Match sim (simulation) is going to be interesting, isn’t it? I’m pretty excited for it to be honest.”
