Zorko backs Rockliff as AFL Lions' captain

The confrontational style of Brisbane captain Tom Rockliff might not be to everyone's tastes, but Dayne Zorko is confident it's the best way to lead the underperforming Lions.

It remains unclear whether Rockliff will remain Lions' captain or even stay at the AFL club in 2017.

Rumours abound of players being unhappy with his leadership style with question marks over his commitment and fitness.

But Zorko, who claimed a second successive Merrett-Murray medal as the Lions' best player, says Rockliff is a "fantastic" leader.

"He certainly likes to hit players between the eyes, that era might have gone a little bit but I think it's definitely the right thing for our football club at the moment," Zorko told Melbourne radio station SEN.

"We need to start performing and we weren't.

"It's a little bit strange to hear how much has come out about it all because, for mine, he's the right person for us going forward."

Zorko said he was disappointed by the decision to sack coach Justin Leppitsch, insisting the players needed to shoulder more blame for the club's woes.

The Lions won three matches this year and only avoided the wooden spoon on percentage to Essendon.

The club are expected to ask the AFL for a priority pick at this year's draft.

But Zorko doesn't believe that step is vital to the success of the Lions, saying there's already plenty of young talent within the ranks at the club.

"If it's developed and developed the right way, I don't think that'd be necessary," he said.

"If the AFL wants to give us one, yep (we'll take it)."