The Lions have received a boost ahead of their 2022 premiership opener with captain Dayne Zorko named to lead the side against Port Adelaide at the Gabba on Saturday night.
Zorko did not appear in either of the AAMI Series pre-season matches after undergoing a minor procedure on his Achilles tendon.
However, he has trained well for the past two weeks and convinced the Club’s medical staff he is ready for the demands of AFL football.
Veteran Mitch Robinson has also proven his fitness after spending a week in isolation due to the AFL’s Health Protocols.
Robinson has been named to take up his customary position on the wing.
Defender Darcy Gardiner (Quad), who missed the AAMI Series match against the Western Bulldogs has also been declared fit, while Cameron Rayner also returns after sitting out the final pre-season hit-out due to a family matter.
Rayner (knee) and hard-as-nails defender Noah Answerth (groin) will make their first AFL appearances since 2020 having missed the entire 2021 campaign.
New recruit Darcy Fort will also make his first appearance at AFL level in over a year to partner Oscar McInerney in the ruck.
The former Cat played the last of his eight senior games against Collingwood in round 7, 2020 a week after catching the eye of Lions’ recruiters with a strong showing for Geelong against McInerney and the Lions at the SCG.
The Lions head into the match close to full strength with Eric Hipwood (knee) and Keidean Coleman (hamstring) the only regular senior players unavailable due to injury.
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