Dayne Zorko’s “spark” is about to show essential to a Brisbane Lions aspect intent on avoiding a complacent efficiency in opposition to AFL cellar dwellers West Coast on the Gabba on Saturday.
With the Lions to make at the least three adjustments – enforced resulting from accidents and suspension – to the workforce that beat Richmond by 81 factors final week, former captain Zorko is predicted to return from a calf harm.
Lions defender Brandon Starcevich stated Zorko was desirous to return, having not performed since Brisbane’s 17-point loss to Adelaide on May 26.
“He gives us a lot of energy through the middle,” Starcevich stated.
“He’s raring to go. He’s probably been banging the door down for last couple of weeks wanting to get back, but we’re probably taking a cautious approach with him.
“He’s really excited to get back. He’s up and about this week, so … hopefully he provides a bit of spark for us on Saturday.”
Zorko looms because the substitute for utility Callum Ah Chee (concussion), whereas the contenders to interchange midfielder Josh Dunkley (calf) and ahead Linc McCarthy (suspension) embody Jarryd Lyons, Harry Sharp, Kai Lohmann and Jack Gunston.
Veteran defender Daniel Rich is also in line for a recall after being dropped following the Lions’ 25-point loss to Hawthorn on June 10.
“He’s trained really well. He’s put in a pretty solid block,” Starcevich stated of the 33-year-old Rich.
“I’m not sure when he comes back. It’s up to the match committee, but he’s done everything that’s been required of him the last few weeks and his attitude’s been really good.
“He’ll be ready to go whenever called upon. We know what ‘Richy’ brings to the team. He can break lines and be a real offensive threat. We know how valuable he is to our team.”
Perth product Starcevich promised the third-placed Lions wouldn’t take a complacent perspective into Saturday’s match in opposition to the competitors’s worst workforce that lower than two weeks in the past misplaced by 171 factors to the Sydney Swans.
Following that thrashing, the Eagles produced a greater efficiency final Sunday in an eight-point loss to St Kilda.
“West Coast probably turned the corner last week. They put in a really solid effort against the Saints, so we know we can expect their best and their best is pretty good, so we can’t take a backwards step,” Starcevich stated.
“We’ve got to make sure we bring our best like we did last week. It’ll be about trying to keep our form going and putting our best foot forward.”
Originally printed as Dayne Zorko able to return to a Brisbane aspect eager to keep away from complacency in opposition to the Eagles
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
