Dayne Zorko ready to return to a Brisbane side keen to avoid complacency against the Eagles

The energy Dayne Zorko will provide in his return from a calf injury will be welcomed by the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba this weekend.

Lions veteran Dayne Zorko is ready to return from a calf injury. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

Dayne Zorko’s “spark” is set to prove crucial to a Brisbane Lions side intent on avoiding a complacent performance against AFL cellar dwellers West Coast at the Gabba on Saturday.

The Lions have made four enforced changes to their top 22 that beat Richmond by 81 points last week, with former captain Zorko returning from a calf injury.

Lions defender Brandon Starcevich said Zorko was eager to return, having not played since Brisbane’s 17-point loss to Adelaide on May 26.

“He gives us a lot of energy through the middle,” Starcevich said.

“He’s raring to go. He’s probably been banging the door down for last couple of weeks wanting to get back, but we’re probably taking a cautious approach with him.

“He’s really excited to get back. He’s up and about this week, so … hopefully he provides a bit of spark for us on Saturday.”

Dayne Zorko is eager to make his return for the Brisbane Lions. Picture: Chris Hyde/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Zorko, midfielder Jarryd Lyons, and forwards Jack Gunston and James Madden have replaced Callum Ah Chee (concussion), Josh Dunkley (calf), Jarrod Berry (hamstring) and Linc McCarthy (suspended).

Ruckman Darcy Fort, who came on as a substitute for the injured Dunkley against the Tigers, has been omitted.

Veteran defender Daniel Rich remains waiting for a recall after being dropped following the Lions’ 25-point loss to Hawthorn on June 10.

“He’s trained really well. He’s put in a pretty solid block,” Starcevich said of the 33-year-old Rich.

“I’m not sure when he comes back. It’s up to the match committee, but he’s done everything that’s been required of him the last few weeks and his attitude’s been really good.

“He’ll be ready to go whenever called upon. We know what ‘Richy’ brings to the team. He can break lines and be a real offensive threat. We know how valuable he is to our team.”

Perth product Starcevich promised the third-placed Lions would not take a complacent attitude into Saturday’s match against the competition’s worst team that less than two weeks ago lost by 171 points to the Sydney Swans.

Following that thrashing, the Eagles produced a better performance last Sunday in an eight-point loss to St Kilda.

“West Coast probably turned the corner last week. They put in a really solid effort against the Saints, so we know we can expect their best and their best is pretty good, so we can’t take a backwards step,” Starcevich said.

“We’ve got to make sure we bring our best like we did last week. It’ll be about trying to keep our form going and putting our best foot forward.”

Originally published as Dayne Zorko ready to return to a Brisbane side keen to avoid complacency against the Eagles