Brisbane Lions news: Veteran signs new deal as young gun ramps up ACL recovery

Brisbane fans can breathe a little easier after the Lions finally locked-in veteran midfielder Dayne Zorko for next season. Plus the latest on Will Ashcroft’s ACL recovery.

Brisbane fans can breathe a little easier after the Lions finally locked-in veteran midfielder Dayne Zorko for next season.

More than a month after Zorko first voiced his desire to play on into his age 35 season, he and club agreed to a one-year extension on Wednesday that will take him to the end of 2024.

Zorko, who celebrated his 250th AFL game in the grand final loss to Collingwood, remains one of Brisbane’s best ball users.

After shedding the better part of 9kg last off-season, the five-time club best and fairest winner was able to recapture some of the sparkling form that made him one of Brisbane’s biggest names over the past 13 seasons.

Lions midfielder Dayne Zorko has re-signed for the 2024 season just weeks after marrying partner Talia in Brisbane.

He was among the Lions’ best in their run to the grand final and should remain a useful utility in their quest to return to the big dance next year.

Zorko, who is currently on his honeymoon after marrying partner Talia in Brisbane last month, said the grand final defeat had on heightened his desire to play on.

“I am really happy to be going around again with a group that has so much potential

and that is on the cusp of achieving something special,” he said.

“I feel like I am still contributing to the team in terms of my on-field performances,

and believe I have plenty to offer this group off the field through leadership and my

experience.

“After having a taste of playing in the grand final it has spurred me on to go again

and I can’t wait to get back to work this pre-season and prepare for an exciting 2024.”

The Zorko news came on the same day boom Brisbane midfielder Will Ashcroft took a crucial next step in his recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Ashcroft, 19, completed his first running session at Springfield on Wednesday – a little over three months after tearing his ACL in the Round 19 win over Geelong.

Will Ashcroft is making progress recovering from an ACL injury. Picture: Getty Images

Such an injury often comes with a 12-month turnaround and though it’s too early to tell whether he is ahead of schedule, the 20 seconds of footage featured on the Lions’ social channels will fill fans with hope the young star can return in time to make a significant impact on season 2024.

Ashcroft’s injury rocked the Lions late last season and the midfield mix took time to right itself after the young gun went out.

It ultimately helped Hugh McCluggage return to his best form as he swallowed up the midfield minutes vacated by Ashcroft, however the Lions were unquestionably a more complete outfit with their father-son selection on the field.

Despite it only being his first season Ashcroft immediately made his presence felt at AFL level.

So much so that he bagged three Brownlow votes in just the second game of his career and finished third among Lions vote-getters with 10, behind only winner Neale (31) and Joe Daniher (12).

Originally published as Brisbane Lions news: Veteran signs new deal as young gun ramps up ACL recovery