Former Brisbane captain Dayne Zorko has recommitted to the Lions on a new deal that will take him through to a 14th season with the club.
Zorko's longevity is a stunning outcome for a player who was overlooked across several draft windows before being plucked out of Broadbeach as a Queensland zone selection in 2011, with Gold Coast trading access to the local talent to their state rivals.
Set to be 36 years of age at the start of the 2025 season, Zorko now has a chance to potentially bring up his 300th game for the club next year - currently 28 matches away from the mark ahead of Round 24 of this season and an upcoming finals series.
A five-time best and fairest winner with the Lions, Zorko could become just the second Brisbane player to reach the milestone, joining Brownlow Medal winner and premiership great Simon Black.
The senior utility, who has starred at half-back for coach Chris Fagan this season to emerge as an All-Australian contender, has played all 22 games at AFL level in 2024 while averaging career-highs for disposals (25.95), rebound 50s (4.09) and marks (8.14) per game.
โI am extremely grateful the club has allowed me to continue my journey beyond this year,โ Zorko said of re-signing.
โI love this journey we have been on and love being at this football club, so to be staying on for another season is fantastic.
โThere's no ceiling with this playing group and each year we are getting stronger and closer to the pinnacle, and I want to be a part of that.โ
Zorko has recorded 11 seasons of 20 or more matches for the Lions since making his debut with the club in 2012 against Collingwood at the age of 23.
He captained the club from 2018-2022 and claimed his maiden All-Australian blazer after a stellar 2017 season despite the club winning just five games that year. Zorko led the club's goalkicking that season after doing so the year prior as well.
โDayne has had a brilliant year and he more than deserves this contract to go around for his 14th season which is a huge achievement,โ Lions football boss Danny Daly said.
โHe is showing age is no barrier and is a great example that if you put in the work and look after yourself that you can achieve anything.
โWe look forward to having Zorks runout again for the Lions next season and to have his wife Talia and his kids around the Club for another year.โ
Zorko will suit up for his 23rd game of the year on Saturday when Brisbane host Essendon at the Gabba, with a top four spot on the line should results go their way.
