Dayne Zorko has the all-clear to function within the Brisbane Lions’ AFL opener regardless of the veteran’s doubtless absence from this week’s closing trial sport towards Geelong.
A minor hamstring damage has saved the previous skipper out of motion however coach Chris Fagan stated the 34-year-old was an computerized starter regardless of the Lions’ terrific low season recruitment drive.
“With an older player like him, I’m not actually that concerned (if he doesn’t play any practice games),” Fagan stated after Zorko skilled with the rehabilitation group on Tuesday.
Entering his twelfth season, Zorko has battled foot, achilles, calf and hamstring niggles however has performed a minimum of 20 video games – and by no means fewer than 16 – in each marketing campaign.
“He’s a natural touch player. He’s very, very fit at the moment so I’m happy for him to come into the season to play straight away,” Fagan stated.
“We’re just using the time we’ve got, rather than trying to rush.”
Darcy Gardiner (shoulder), Callum Ah Chee (quadriceps) and Rhys Mathieson (hamstring) had been additionally on the sidelines on the Lions’ new Springfield base, the place they’ll host the Cats on Thursday night time.
Fagan dismissed any considerations about Lachie Neale after the star midfielder corked his quadriceps and didn’t play within the closing quarter of final week’s pre-season conflict with Sydney.
The membership will title Zorko’s captaincy substitute on Wednesday, with Fagan saying 5 gamers had put their hand up after a staff vote to kind a management group.
“We grilled them for an hour,” Fagan, who revealed his panel would make their determination on Tuesday afternoon, stated.
“It was actually a fantastic process; it just really showed me and the others in the room that we have a lot of quality young lads at our footy club.
“I’ve walked away from that with a smile on my face, and we determined we might sleep on our choices.”
Neale, Harris Andrews, Hugh McCluggage and recruits Josh Dunkley and Jack Gunston had all been mentioned as options, with a co-captaincy model not out of the question.
But Fagan said replacing Zorko would not serve as an instant sugar-hit for last year’s beaten preliminary finalists.
“Changing the captain is just not a method to reinvigorate us in any respect,” the coach stated.
“I charge management improvement, and the general capability of the staff to steer, manner above captaincy.
“What I’m really hoping is the fact that so many guys have worked on their leadership this summer … really reinvigorates us out on the field.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
