Brisbane Lions veteran Dayne Zorko is “preparing to play” in opposition to Essendon on Saturday night time after making a quicker-than-expected restoration from a hamstring harm.
Zorko missed Brisbane’s 26-point win over Carlton final Friday night time after injuring his hamstring the earlier week in opposition to Fremantle.
He had been anticipated to be sidelined for a minimum of two matches, however the 34-year-old former Lions captain reckons he will likely be match sufficient to tackle the Bombers on the Gabba this weekend.
“I’m going really, really well,” Zorko advised SEN Breakfast with Pat and Heals.
“Fingers crossed the strength and conditioning staff are listening to this conversation because I’ll be putting my hand up for selection this week.
“I had a really good week on the track. I started a bit slow, but since then we knew it was going to be an injury that recovers really quickly and I’ve done everything right over the weekend and got through a mountain of work on Saturday morning.
“We’ll go all systems ahead as if I’m playing this weekend. Clearly, any setbacks or niggles will stamp that out, but for me, I’ll be preparing to play.”
Before the Lions’ victory over Carlton, Brisbane coach Chris Fagan stated Zorko’s return date can be “based on what our medical people tell us to do”.
“I’m really open minded about that because anything that allows him to get on the park as often as possible is a good strategy,” Fagan stated.
However, Fagan gained’t prematurely rush Zorko again into an in-form Lions aspect that has gained 5 successive matches.
“If you want to win a premiership you’ve got to have a deep squad. I feel like we’ve got much better depth than we did three or four years ago.” he stated.
“There are a lot of fellows who have been waiting for an opportunity.”
Brisbane’s efficiency in opposition to the Blues was highlighted by an outstanding show from prized low season recruit Josh Dunkley, who completed the sport with 33 touches, 13 tackles, six clearances, six intercepts and greater than 550m gained.
“I’ve always prided myself on the defensive side of my game,” Dunkley stated.
“I feel like the rest of my game flows from there. so it was nice to be able to do that (against Carlton) and get the rewards in the end.”
Zorko stated Dunkley was “just unbelievable”.
“It was phenomenal. I was quite speechless watching it on the night.” he stated.
“His effort and intent was first class and that’s what we brought him to the club for, and he is delivering in spades.”
Source: www.news.com.au
