Moneyball: Dayne Zorko re-signs with Brisbane Lions, latest trade news and rumours
Dayne Zorko has capped one of the best years of his career with a contract extension, while a Hawthorn spearhead’s future is in the spotlight as rivals chase key-position talent.
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Brisbane Lions utility Dayne Zorko will play into his 14th AFL season after signing a one-year contract extension.
The evergreen veteran, who will turn 36 before the start of next season, has turned in an All-Australian caliber campaign across halfback to earn himself another year in the maroon, blue and gold.
Earlier this month, this masthead reported Zorko‘s management and the Lions had begun talks on an extension.
It was simple business for the Lions, given Zorko’s form this season has many considering him a lock for his second All-Australian blazer.
“I am extremely grateful the club has allowed me to continue my journey beyond this year,” Zorko said.
“I love this journey we have been on and love being at this football club, so to be staying on for another season is fantastic.
“There’s no ceiling with this playing group and each year we are getting stronger and closer to the pinnacle, and I want to be a part of that.”
In the twilight of his career the 35 year old has proved age is just a number, averaging 25 disposals and eight marks per game.
His swap to halfback to replace the injured Keidean Coleman has proved a master stroke, with Zorko proving he is one of the most damaging ball users in the game.
The former Lions skipper said he had found a “new lease on life” this season after ingratiating himself with Brisbane’s backline “brotherhood”.
“The boys down there will agree it’s like a team within a team,” Zorko said.
“It’s completely different to what it is in our midfield and forward line. I get a smile every time I see the connection between the guys.
“We sit in meetings together and it’s its own little brotherhood down there and I’ve really enjoyed that. That’s what has really energised me to get better every single week, I don’t want to let those guys down.”
Dayne Zorko lets it fly! #AFLSwansLionspic.twitter.com/TapmRisd9f
— AFL (@AFL) February 29, 2024
A five-time club best and fairest and two-time leader goal kicker, his legacy grew even greater this season in earning back-to-back Marcus Ashcroft Medals as best on ground in both QClashes.
“He’ll go down in history as one of our all-time great players and it’s good for everyone that he’s going to go again,” coach Chris Fagan said.
“For me as a coach, when I turned up (at the end of 2016) he was the role model I was able to use to get other young boys to follow and I’m really grateful to him for that.”
Fagan, who was an assistant coach and football GM at Hawthorn before landing at the Lions, compared Zorko’s shift to halfback to a pair of Hawks greats.
“I’ve seen it done successfully with guys like Shaun Burgoyne and Sam Mitchell.
“Sometimes those great players can just read the game really well from back there so it was worth giving it a try.
“We did it two or three years ago and it did look pretty good but then we needed him elsewhere. This year necessity created that opportunity for him.
“I think he leads the competition for score involvements as a small defender so that’s a fair effort – it shows how he’s been able to grow and adapt.
“The fact he’s been able to develop in that position has helped him to get another contract and extend his career.”
In this economy?! 🔒😠pic.twitter.com/9tQStWawEq
— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) August 21, 2024
BLUES LEAVE SMALL FORWARD OWIES IN LIMBO
Carlton small forward Matt Owies will have to wait for a contract offer from the Blues in the post-season even as his remarkable season continues with another brilliant effort in a crunch game.
The Blues are to keep their options open even if it increases their chances of losing Owies to a rival club as they sort through their small forward pecking order.
Owies kicked three goals against West Coast to take his season tally to 32 from 22 games, trailing only Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay among Blues goalkickers.
Essendon had at one stage been linked to Owies but they will secure NGA pick Isaac Kako, who is a bustling small forward.
So the Blues are content to hold off, not ruling out a contract offer but holding tight for now.
Carlton small forward Jack Martin is also set to receive a contract offer and while suitors had been keen on him he has broken down in two of the three games he has played this year.
It puts his future into doubt despite his huge potential in the rare times he has put a string of games together.
CLUBS SET TO PAY TOP DOLLAR FOR DAN
Rival clubs in the market for a rebounding defender are unlikely to come up anywhere near the Port Adelaide request of two first-round picks for Dan Houston.
Carlton has been mentioned as a possible suitor but the Blues couldn’t get remotely close to the Power request given they have their picks tied up with the Camporeale twins.
The Blues might attempt to use an early pick before they match a bid on Ben or Lucas Camporeale but they would not be willing to give away current and 2025 first-rounders for a player 28 next May no matter his All Australian calibre.
Melbourne had been keen on him given they had hoped to have a late 2024 first-rounder and a future first but now their first selection is slated for pick 7 given their on field struggles.
Port Adelaide is open to the trade request if they can get the right price, and are seen to be very hopeful of securing GWS free agents Harry Perryman and Isaac Cumming.
In an ideal world they would secure two first-rounders for the rebounder and bring in free agents at no draft cost which filled his role.
COLLINGWOOD JOURNEYMAN LIKELY TO STAY
Collingwood ruck-forward Nathan Kreuger would like to stay at the Pies but is yet to be offered a new contract despite strong form when he found his way into the side.
He has played only 13 games in three years at Collingwood given shoulder issues but kicked seven goals in four weeks when he came back into the side in round 13.
After a quieter display against Geelong he was then concussed the next week and missed two weeks.
But with Brody Mihocek 31 and Mason Cox 33, he would be in demand elsewhere given he can play ruck and forward if a contract is not forthcoming at Collingwood.
FRINGE HAWK FORCED TO WAIT
Hawthorn survivor Harry Morrison will likely have to wait until after the season is finished to push his case for a new deal.
The fringe Hawk has played nine VFL games this year but has played the last two in the AFL side and notched his 100th senior game on Sunday.
Morrison, 25, has played more than 20 games twice and 15 or less in his other six seasons but coach Sam Mitchell has always valued his ability to run the right patterns and play any role.
He last signed a two-year extension in September of 2022 and told this masthead there was no genuine traction on a new deal.
“Not as yet,” he said.
“I just have to keep trying to play good footy and that will take care of itself.”
Morrison will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season, alongside teammates Chad Wingard, Cooper Stephens and veteran pair Luke Breust and Jack Gunston.
Having been forced to wait for a deal in past years, Morrison said he was comfortable focusing on Hawthorn’s finals push.
“There is always that pressure at this time of the year and guys out of contract but I just keep going back to doing what I can do and that is playing good footy,” he said.
SLEEVED STAR KEEN TO STAY AT CATTERY
Important Geelong forward Brad Close would “love to lock” his future in at the Cats as he heads towards a contract year.
One of the first picked each week by Chris Scott due to his pressure, workrate and goal sense, Close has become yet another Cat on Stephen Wells’ rookie draft honour board after being snagged by the Cats in 2019.
The 98-game premiership player has featured in at least 20 games in each of the last four seasons and is due to come out of contract next year.
But he would gladly sign himself up for the future if list boss Andrew Mackie presented a new deal to him.
“It would be cool to sign on at the Cats, if they are happy to do that I would love to lock that in,” he told this masthead.
“I have another year so it is not something I have to think about right now and I am happy to play some more good footy.”
Close, 26, has stepped into golf merchandise and videos when off the field and said Geelong’s famous relaxed environment suited the Mt Gambier product.
“It is a great club to be a part of,” he said.
“It is a bit of that relaxed competitiveness. The coaches and staff give us the flexibility and know we are going to do the right thing when we are away from the club to make sure we are maximising performance.”
MITCH CERTAIN TO STAY A HAWK
Hawthorn spearhead Mitch Lewis is certain to remain in brown and gold next year, even if rival AFL clubs attempt to prise the injured forward out of Waverley during the October trade period.
Moneyball understands that the Hawks and Lewis are focusing solely on his rehabilitation from a knee reconstruction suffered last month.
Lewis, 25, is contracted to the Hawks until the end of 2026, but several clubs including Collingwood, Melbourne, North Melbourne and Essendon are in the market for a key position forward.
But he remains very much a required player at Hawthorn next year and beyond, despite managing just four games this season in what has been a frustrating recent run with injuries.
The Hawks see Lewis as their most important key position forward deep into the future, and know he can work alongside 27-year-old Mabior Chol and Rising Star nominated teenager Calsher Dear when he returns next year.
Originally published as Moneyball: Dayne Zorko re-signs with Brisbane Lions, latest trade news and rumours
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