'Re-earn their spots': Dayne Zorko warns Lions that selection nightmare looms as rehab group threatens spots
Updated . First published at
There is no such thing as sitting comfortably at the top, even if you are the reigning AFL premiers.
Just ask Brisbane Lions veteran and now premiership player, Dayne Zorko.
As the Lions returned to the club to begin pre season on Monday, Zorko was bullish about what was required to defend the flag and his spot in the team.
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It comes as a massive 16 players hit the track in Brisbane's rehabilitation group, away from main training.
Some of those players include small forward Lincoln McCarthy and defender Keidean Coleman, who both tore their ACLs last season.
Chris Fagan, Lachie Neale, Dayne Zorko and Harris Andrews hold the 2024 premiership cup. Getty
The pair were likely locks in the Lions' grand final team that defeated Sydney by 60 points.
Also in the rehab group is Tom Doedee and Darcy Gardiner, who both seriously injured knees in 2024.
And as those players push hard to gain a spot back in the side, Zorko admits it will be no easy feat to retain or win back a position.
"There were a lot of players, stalwarts, who missed out (on the premiership)" Zorko said on Monday.
Keidean Coleman is on the comeback after his ACL injury in 2024. AFL Photos via Getty Images
"They have to re-earn their spots in the side."
The 35-year-old All-Australian, who is the oldest to achieve the feat, did however admit that he'd love for those teammates who didn't get a medal to have another crack in 2025.
"But if they do (earn their spot back), we want them to experience the same thing," he said.
"Over six years, the hardships and losses ... it'd be great to recreate that feeling for them."
Zorko says he is most looking forward to match simulation, where he knows he'll have to push extra hard to keep up with the up and coming stars, including pick 5, Levi Ashcroft.
"There's a lot of guys coming back from rehab ... and the majority are starters," he said.
"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."
