Dayne Zorko injury blow puts a dampener on Brisbane’s hard-fought win over Western Bulldogs

Brisbane is only percentage off the ladder lead but an injury to star midfielder Dayne Zorko has put a spanner in the Lions’ charge to the finals.

Lion Harris Andrews and Bulldog Patrick Lipinski lose their balance as they fly over the top of Bailey Dale and Marcus Adams yesterday. Picture: Getty Images

The Brisbane juggernaut has hit its first real speed hump with skipper Dayne Zorko a casualty in their 18 point victory over the Bulldogs at the Gabba.

The Lions overcame the loss of their captain to a hamstring injury and the third quarter blitz from the Bulldogs that immediately followed his departure to record their seventh consecutive victory 14.14 (98) to 11.14 (80) in front of a solid Sunday night crowd of 25,831.

There must surely be an AFL tailor on his way to Brisbane to measure Charlie Cameron for an All Australian blazer after his four goal haul which took his season tally to 41.

But once again the Lions showed they had multiple scoring options with Allen Christensen, Mitch Robinson and Eric Hipwood kicking two apiece.

Lachie Neale sends the Lions into attack. Picture: Getty Images

The loss leaves the Dogs in 11th place a win and significant percentage behind the eighth placed Crows with a tough run home against top eight sides Essendon, GWS and Adelaide.

While Brisbane remain in contention for a top-two spot and will go into Saturday’s QClash as heavy favourites — the potential absence of Zorko could have ramifications for their finals aspirations.

Lions coach Chris Fagan said the initial belief was that it wasn’t a major injury but he conceded there was likely to be someone else leading the side in the QClash.

“He had a very minor tweak of his hamstring and we just decided not to put him back on the ground because it could have made it worse,’’ he said.

“We need a bit more information but he’s probably in doubt for this weekend but it might only be one of those minor ones.

“Strength and stretch all look ok, we just had to make a conservative call there, it was the right decision not to put him back on the ground.’’

As is their custom the Bulldogs got plenty of the footy in the opening half but Brisbane looked to be in control.

Cameron Rayner takes a strong mark in front of Lachie Hunter. Picture: AAP

While the Dogs connectivity and ability to convert forward entries into goals must have been a frustration for their coach Luke Beveridge and their fans, the Lions were clinical.

Their biggest lead was 43 points after Lachie Neale’s goal in the third quarter.

Neale had been running hot, winning three consecutive clearances that led to scores in the opening exchanges of the third term.

But just when the contest looked like turning into a percentage booster that could have elevated Brisbane over reigning premiers West Coast into second place disaster struck.

With Zorko iced-up on the bench the Lions’ suddenly looked vulnerable.

The Bulldogs midfield enjoyed a purple patch and their forwards cashed in.

Marcus Bontempelli was huge for the victors while Jack Macrae was also a prolific ball winner.

They kicked the next four goals and at the final change the margin was 17 points.

The Lions needed someone to step up and stop the onslaught and it was Hipwood with two crucial final quarter goals that gave the home side the breathing space.

SCOREBOARD

BRISBANE 4.3 7.7 11.9 14.14 (98)

WESTERN BULLDOGS 0.4 2.8 8.10 11.14 (80)

GOALS

Brisbane: Cameron 4, Christensen 2, Robinson 2, Hipwood 2, McInerney, Rayner, McCluggage, Neale

Western Bulldogs: Schache 2, Naughton 2, English, Dale, Richards, Johannisen, Lipinski, Bontempelli

BEST

Brisbane: Robinson, Cameron, Berry, Martin, Neale

Western Bulldogs: Bontempelli, Macrae, Dunkley, Naughton, Crozier

INJURIES

Brisbane: Zorko (hamstring)

Western Bulldogs: Wood (head knock)

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Chamberlain, Fleer, Gianfagna

Official crowd: 25,831 at the Gabba

VOTES

3 — Marcus Bontempelli

2 — Jack Macrae

1 — Mitch Robinson

Best

Bulldogs. Bontempelli, Macrae, Dunkley, Naughton, Crozier

Originally published as Dayne Zorko injury blow puts a dampener on Brisbane’s hard-fought win over Western Bulldogs