Dayne Zorko joined Mike and Dom on The Roar Deal this week. The Captain has been dominating in recent weeks, leading the competition in total tackles, tackles inside forward 50, pressure acts and inside 50s.

But when he came on the podcast, he wanted to pump up his teammates instead of his own plaudits.

Zorko spoke about the improvement he’s seen in Allen Christensen, Daniel Rich, Hugh McCluggage and the energizer bunny that is Mitch Robinson.

Christensen or “Bundy” as he is better known as, played his first game for the Lions in nine rounds on Sunday afternoon. He made an emphatic return and kick two goals, with one being nominated for Goal of the Year.

Zorko said it’s amongst the best footy he’s seen the 28-year-old play at the Lions.

“His pressure that he created led to so many of our goals,” Zorko said. 

“His hunt was fantastic. I honestly have never seen him lay so many tackles. 

“Nearly every time he tackled, he made a stoppage for us.”

Hugh McCluggage, in his third year of AFL, continues to impress with his hard work ethic.

“He’s constantly in the top 3 or 4 in GPS each week,” he said.

McCluggage has already kicked 15 goals for the year so far.

“He’s hit the scoreboard a lot this year…For a midfielder, that’s a really good number.”

Earlier in the season Zorko had predicted Daniel Rich would be the most improved player for the year, which shocked many commentators.

Rich has been with the Club for 10 years and during that time won the Rising Star award.

“He’s just been training so well and he’s maturing as a player, he knows what he can bring each week,” he said. 

“He lost his way there for a little bit…but now he’s really found himself as a player and person. 

“He rarely gets beaten one-on-one so he adds so much to our backline. 

“It’s almost like we’ve drafted another player.”

Mitch Robinson has also been in incredible form, but Zorko said his biggest asset is the way he energizes and motivates the group.

“He’s a very caring guy and willing to do anything for anyone which is an amazing trait to have,” he said.
“He finds a way to bring the group together.”

Zorko told Mike and Dom he is proud of his players and the men they are becoming on and off the field. 

After seasons of disappointment it’s great to have something to celebrate.

“I just know how hard we have done it in previous years so it is nice now to be winning,” he said.