Search

show me:

No rest for Lions AFL captain Zorko: Fagan

3 minute read

Brisbane coach Chris Fagan has shifted the focus away from a potential AFL minor premiership and says captain Dayne Zorko will play if fit against Gold Coast.

CHRIS FAGAN, Senior Coach of the Lions looks on during the Brisbane Lions AFL pre-season training session at University of Tasmania Stadium in Launceston, Australia.
CHRIS FAGAN, Senior Coach of the Lions looks on during the Brisbane Lions AFL pre-season training session at University of Tasmania Stadium in Launceston, Australia. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images

Dayne Zorko will play for Brisbane in Saturday's QClash if he's fit, with coach Chris Fagan adamant none of his AFL squad will be rested against the last-placed Gold Coast.

With a big win, the Lions could finish the weekend on top of the ladder before games against fellow minor-premiership contenders Geelong and Richmond.

But Fagan has all eyes on the Gabba this weekend and says Zorko will take his place if cleared to play after experiencing hamstring tightness in the last round.

"The only game that matters to us is the game this weekend - we're not thinking ahead," Fagan said.

"If he's (Zorko) fit to play, play. If he's not, he won't. But it won't be because we're resting blokes for the next two weeks; it'll be because he's not right to play - it's too risky."

Brisbane have won eight from nine at home this season, surviving a late rally on Sunday from the Western Bulldogs to keep pace with the competition front runners.

The Suns have lost a club-record 15-straight games but, in Fagan's eyes, they have shown enough to still pose a threat.

"If you don't turn up with the right mindset, then you probably get what you deserve," he said.

"Ladder position hasn't got anything to do with this game; it's a rivalry so anything can happen and we won't be thinking about the ramifications of losing."

Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew hopes last week's returning trio Jack Martin, Ben Ainsworth and Jack Bowes will lift another gear as they chase an upset.

"Sometimes it's manufactured but I think it's genuine when the team you're about to play is about to play finals," he said of the rivalry between the sides.

"Our late run in the season is really important to us ... we're striving for that consistency."

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au