The season might only be two weeks old, but Dayne Zorko has probably shot himself into early favouritism for the 2014 Merrett-Murray Medal on the back of two standout performances against competition heavyweights Hawthorn and Geelong.
Zorko seems to be relishing spending more time in the midfield, having racked up 28 and 30 disposals in Rounds 1 and 2 respectively.
The pint-sized Queenslander had previously amassed 25 or more possessions in only three matches across his first two seasons, but has done it consecutively in the opening two rounds of 2014.
And after equalling his personal-best tally of clearances (five) in Round One against the Hawks, Zorko went one better on Sunday with a career-high six.
A-MAYES-ING
The above headline might have already been done to death, but fans had better get used to seeing it more often if Sam Mayes’ AFL career continues to progress the way it has been.
Mayes’ four goals against Geelong on Sunday was not only an equal career-best, but also put him equal with spearhead Jonathan Brown as the Club’s early leading goal-kicker with six.
The recently re-signed South Australian is averaging more than 16 disposals as well, and provides Senior Coach Justin Leppitsch with a great deal of flexibility.
But the question is; where do you play him?
The Lions’ coaching staff would probably love to have Mayes on the wing delivering the ball to the forwards with his neat disposal. But, at the same time, he is proving too valuable a target up forward.
I guess it’s a good problem to have...
YOUNG GUNS
Fans would have been encouraged to see solid second-up performances from two of the Lions’ 2013 draftees, James Aish and Lewis Taylor.
After being the substitute against Hawthorn, Taylor played his first ‘full’ senior game and looked lively.
He collected 19 disposals – the sixth most for the Lions – and had four clearances, which was enough to suggest that he could play a key role for the senior team in 2014.
Aish, meanwhile, had a huge first half before the Cats closed down his space in the second. He finished with 15 touches, eight marks and four tackles.
CONTESTED POSSESSION
Much has been said over the off-season about winning contested possessions and clearances, and the Lions look to have made some early improvements in those areas.
After being narrowly beaten by reigning premiers Hawthorn in contested possessions (138-123) and clearances (41-39) in Round One, the Lions probably drew even in those areas on Sunday against Geelong.
In fact, the Lions had seven more clearances than the Cats (46-39) and just one less contested possession (152-153).
And the opposition has certainly been stiff, considering the Lions’ first two matches have been against sides that finished first and second at the end of the regular season last year.
MILESTONE MEN
Unfortunately Jack Redden and Daniel Rich weren’t able to enjoy their 100-game milestones as they would have liked, however both were among the Lions’ best against the Cats.
In fact, Redden (28 disposals, nine tackles and seven clearances) and Rich (20 disposals, five tackles and four rebounds) were among only five Lions who had 20 or more disposals.
Redden has maintained his ranking as the League’s second leading tackler with 20 from two games (Melbourne’s Daniel Cross is the competition leader with 23).
GREEN MACHINE
Josh Green’s impact on the Lions’ forward line has been far greater than just his two goals from the Lions’ first two games.
Green also currently leads the Club in goal assists (three) and inside 50s (12).
AFL FANTASY TOP FIVE
1. Jack Redden – 131 points
2. Dayne Zorko – 130 points
3. Pearce Hanley – 113 points
4. Brent Moloney – 106 points
5. James Aish – 83 points
WHO WAS BEST?
Afl.com.au listed Pearce Hanley (32 disposals and six marks), Brent Moloney (24 disposals and 10 tackles), Zorko, Mayes, and Redden as the Lions’ best, but who do YOU think were the team’s three best players?
Vote now online for the Club Player of the Year
