Keidean Coleman back for Brisbane Lions but Dayne Zorko still set to spend time in defence

Emerging star Keidean Coleman returns to Brisbane’s side for Sunday’s QClash against the Gold Coast Suns at Metricon Stadium.

Keidean Coleman returns for the Lions in the QClash. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Brisbane captain Dayne Zorko will continue to spend time in defence despite the return of emerging star Keidean Coleman to the Lions’ AFL line-up.

Lions coach Chris Fagan had no hesitation in bringing fit-again half-back Coleman straight back into Brisbane’s senior side – rather than ease him back via the club’s VFL team – for Sunday’s QClash against the Gold Coast Suns at Metricon Stadium.

Coleman is yet to play this season after injuring his hamstring in an AAMI Community Series pre-season clash against the Western Bulldogs on March 4.

“He’s fitter now that what he was – he’s been picked on his training form,” Fagan said of Coleman.

“Our strength and conditioning guys really get (the players) prepared to play. and we train at an AFL game intensity, so it’s not like the game’s suddenly going to be quicker than what we train at.”

In Coleman’s absence, long-time midfielder Zorko has spent plenty of time across Brisbane’s half-back line.

The positional switch was not only to cover for Coleman but also to ensure a prolonged career for 33-year-old Zorko.

Dayne Zorko will continue to spend time across the Lions’ half-back line. Picture: Albert Perez/AFL Photos/Getty Images

And with Zorko having embraced the move, and the Lions have started the season on a positive note with four wins from five matches, the Brisbane skipper will continue to divide time between midfield and defence.

“He’s certainly going to continue to have time down back,” Fagan said of the Lions veteran.

“How much, we’re not sure, but he’ll certainly still be down there. It’s been a pretty successful move that one, so I’m not all that keen to change it.

“`Zorks’ is just a natural footballer really so I was pretty confident that it would work well for us ... and it’s not the first time an older player has gone to half-back and done well. It’s not au unusual thing to try.

‘`Zorks’ has just got some good attributes that we think helps us down there, particularly ball movement.”

While happy with the form of Zorko and his Lions side, Fagan has also been impressed with what the Suns – who have won two from five – have produced this season.

“The bottom line is that the Gold Coast are going as well as they’ve ever gone,” the Lions coach said.

“They pushed (premiers) Melbourne to the edge in round two and they beat Carlton not that long ago so that’s really good form.

“We’re expecting the best version of the Gold Coast that we’ve ever seen.

“We’re acutely aware as a group too that every game of football in the AFL is really hard to win.

“It doesn’t matter who you play anymore/ There’s not a lot of gap between the best teams and the up and coming teams, so you can’t afford to have attitudinal lapses.”