Dayne Zorko wins his second Brisbane Lions best and fairest award

BRISBANE vice-captain Dayne Zorko was crowned the best-and-fairest of an all-time bad bunch on Saturday night when he claimed his second Merrett-Murray Medal.

BRISBANE vice-captain Dayne Zorko was crowned the best-and-fairest of an all-time bad bunch on Saturday night when he claimed his second Merrett-Murray Medal.

The worst season in Brisbane Lions history mercifully wound up at the Brisbane Convention Centre with Zorko claiming back-to-back club champion titles after being part of a four-way tie last year.

Brisbane’s final tally of three wins was the lowest in the merged club’s history while the average of 130 points conceded a game made Brisbane one of the worst defensive teams to ever play at VFL/AFL level.

The horror campaign finished with Brisbane avoiding the wooden spoon by just 0.6 per cent, senior coach Justin Leppitsch losing his job and captain Tom Rockliff facing an uncertain future at the Gabba.

Zorko was one of the few senior players to consistently have a dig and his first half of the season was outstanding.

Dayne Zorko has won his second Brisbane best and fairest award. Picture: Peter Wallis

He tailed off dramatically towards the end of the season but produced a stunning match-winning display against Carlton in Round 21 in one of the best individual first-half efforts seen at the Gabba for years.

He was the club’s equal leading goalkicker (23 goals) and averaged 23.6 disposals and 6.4 tackles per game.

Zorko (122) finished 12 votes in front of the always combative Mitch Robinson (110) while ruckman Stef Martin was third on 106 votes despite carrying a knee injury all season.

MANAGER: ROCKLIFF EXPECTS TO STAY

The fact vice-captain Pearce Hanley finished fourth in the best-and-fairest count after such a diabolically poor season by the Irishman’s standards speaks volumes about Brisbane’s woes.

He should have been dropped several times but missed a podium finish by only two votes. Daniel Rich and Ryan Bastinac finished in the top 10 despite underwhelming seasons that also deserved time in the NEAFL.

Josh Schache impressed in his debut season. Picture: Getty

Josh Schache won Rookie of the Year, Tom Cutler took home the Most Professional Player gong while Darcy Gardiner was voted the Most Competitive Player award.

Zorko also won the members and supporters player of the year award.

Rockliff won Players’ Player after finishing fifth in the club champion counting. He had a club-high 508 disposals but had few eye-catching games as his possessions consistently lacked penetration.

Merrett-Murray Medal Top 10

Dayne Zorko 122

Mitch Robinson 110

Stefan Martin 106

Pearce Hanley 104

Tom Rockliff 103

Daniel Rich 102

Ryan Bastinac 100

Darcy Gardiner 97

Ryan Lester 94

Harris Andrews 92

Originally published as Dayne Zorko wins his second Brisbane Lions best and fairest award