Dayne Zorko is set to clock up another Gabba century after continuing his reign as Lions’ captain for a fifth straight season.
Zorko has led the side in 82 matches since taking over full-time captaincy duties from Dayne Beams during the 2018 season.
In that time, he has led by example claiming the Merrett-Murray medal in 2018 and last season and finishing in the top five in 2019 and 2020.
His 550 disposals in 2021 became a career-best as were the 23 goal assists, which ranked fifth across the entire competition.
And it came at no expense to his trademark pressure, ranking in the top 6 in the AFL for tackles and pressure acts.
The 11th post-merger captain of the Club stands to join Michael Voss and Jonathan Brown in the centurion Club if he remains fit throughout 2022.
Last season Zorko joined Voss as a five-time Club champion and his leadership record is now second only to the original Lion King.
The born and bred Queenslander has now led the Lions to three consecutive top four finishes at the end of the home and away season.
The remainder of the Lions’ leadership group for 2022 will be announced prior to the Clubs Round 1 clash with Port Adelaide at the Gabba on Saturday 19 March.
Zorko said he was honoured to once again be chosen by his teammates to be their leader.
“I love this Club, it has a successful history and one of the things our playing group is most proud of has been our ability to put the Lions back in a position where we can contend for the ultimate success,’’ he said.
“I am inspired by the collective desire among my teammates to achieve something special and being entrusted to lead them means the world to me.’’
Zorko and Chris Fagan have been the central figures in the Lions’ resurgence and the Senior Coach says he cherishes the bond the pair have formed.
“He has been a huge supporter and a terrific sounding board for me, and I know his teammates respect and enjoy his positive approach and passion for the Club,’’ he said.
“The ultimate captain is one who sets the example for others to follow and in Dayne we have one of the most selfless footballers I’ve ever come across.
“His ability to win the ball and attack the game on offence is elite but it is his willingness to apply pressure that inspires his teammates and makes him an obvious choice as our captain.”
