Brisbane Lions veteran Dayne Zorko to play on for a 13th AFL season

Brisbane’s narrow AFL grand-final loss will ‘spur’ on Lions veteran Dayne Zorko for another season.

Dayne Zorko will return for a 13th AFL season. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Former Brisbane captain Dayne Zorko has signed a new one-year deal with the Lions.

Zorko, who turns 35 in February, will extend his AFL career to a 13th season.

“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,” said Zorko, whose 250th appearance for the Lions was in this year’s four-point grand final loss to Collingwood.

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

Dayne Zorko has signed a new one-year deal with the Brisbane Lions. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

Lions general manager of football Danny Daly said: “Dayne has worked incredibly hard over the last 12 months to make sure he continues to get the best out of himself and his football shows he has.

“While Dayne knows he isn’t getting any younger, as a club we believe he still has plenty to offer.”

Zorko – the winner of five club best and fairest awards – and rest of the Lions squad will start pre-season training later this month.