In 2017 and 2018 the Brisbane Lions had won a combined 10 games, in 2019 they won 16 and reached their first AFL Finals Series since 2009.
No doubt this was an incredible turnaround for one team, but Captain Dayne Zorko wishes the Lions campaign was still alive.
“Overall I think it’s been a fantastic year for every department and certainly gives us a really strong platform going forward and gives us something to build on,” he said.
“I thought as a team we settled into the Finals series really well, we just didn’t take our chances in front of goal and ultimately it cost us our spot.”
The Lions achieved an incredible nine game unbeaten run midway through the year, which provided them with great momentum heading into Finals.
Zorko attributes a lot of the AFL team’s success to the players playing in the NEAFL team, who finished their entire season undefeated. Those players put pressure on those in the senior team to perform consistently at an elite level.
“If they weren’t going as well as they were this year, there’s no way we would have been able to do what we’ve been able to do,” he said.
“There were players knocking down the door the whole year.”
Throughout the year Zorko also introduced fun activities for the team, including Fashion Friday’s. Before every home game Zorko would pick a theme and before the team’s Captain’s Run they would come dressed appropriately – whether it be wrestlers, R’n’B or baristas.
He said events like this help build team camaraderie.
“I think it’s really important. If we can’t come in here and enjoy ourselves then footy just becomes too serious,” he said.
“You really do need to take your mind off footy 24/7.
“It lets the players just be humans for a bit.
“I’d be lying if I didn’t think it helped our on-field performances.”
Zorko also paid tribute to the work of Senior Coach Chris Fagan and the coaches throughout the year.
“I think the open door policy they have certainly makes it easier for us players to learn,” he said.
“The amount of hours they do coding to make us better is remarkable.
“A lot of the credit goes to them and I know what Fages does as well, sitting down with every player three or four times a year.”
Despite the loss to the GIANTS in the Semi Final, Zorko’s year ended on a high hearing the supporters chanting “Lions” after the game.
“I’ve got goosebumps now reliving it actually,” he said.
His hope is that they return again next year to continue building the Gabba fortress.
