Brisbane Lions duo Dayne Zorko and Lachie Neale have been rewarded for outstanding seasons by being selected in the 2024 All-Australian team.
The pair were presented with their blazers at the AFL Awards in Melbourne on Thursday night.
Zorko was selected in the starting team on a half-back flank, while Neale was named on the interchange.
Earning his second All-Australian honour capped off a brilliant home and away season for Zorko who at age 35 produced one of the best seasons of his career.
The Lions’ veteran was a driving force in defence, racking up an average of 26 disposals and 8.2 marks – while using the ball with 78% disposal efficiency.
Brisbane Lions General Manager Football, Danny Daly said Zorko deserved all the accolades that come his way this season.
“In a competition full of stars you don’t make the All-Australian squad, let alone team at the age of 35 without putting in extra work and being diligent with your preparation and recovery,” Daly said.
“It’s a real credit to Zorks with what he does at the club and away from it to make sure he is giving himself the best opportunity to be the best player he can be.
“He has been fantastic over many seasons, but particularly this year in defence and everyone at the club is thrilled for him to become a two-time All-Australian.”
Neale also added yet another All-Australian honour to his already remarkable playing resume, with the midfielder making the team for an impressive fourth time.
The ball magnet was a standout in the Lions engine room with an average of 29.5 disposals with 75.7% efficiency.
His trademark clean hands and composure were highlighted as he averaged 7.5 clearances.
While helping the Lions up forward with 6.8 score involvements and 13 goals of his own.
Daly was also full of praise for Neale following his All-Australian selection.
“Everyone that watches the way Lachie trains and plays are impressed by the way he goes about it and that’s because he does it all at such a high standard,” he said.
“Lachie is one of those ultimate professionals and really driven athletes that is always looking for ways to better himself and he’s been able to do that again this year.
“He is one of our Co-Captains for the reason that he leads by example and in doing so he thoroughly deserves to be named as an All-Australian again.”
The Lions also had fellow Co-Captain Harris Andrews, key forward Joe Daniher and exciting playmaker Cam Rayner named in the initial 44-man All-Australian squad.
“On behalf of everyone at the Brisbane Lions I’d obviously like to congratulate Dayne and Lachie for being selected in the All-Australian team,” Daly said.
“But I’d also like to congratulate Harris, Joe and Cam for being named in the squad which is a big achievement in itself.
“All three of those boys had outstanding seasons and while disappointing they missed out on the team, they should be really proud.
“It’s important that individual seasons are acknowledged and rewarded, now as a team we turn our focus to our first final against Carlton at the Gabba.”
