AFL 2022: Dayne Zorko won’t be punished by AFL over sledge which left Harrison Petty in tears

The AFL has weighed in on the Dayne Zorko sledge that left Demon Harrison Petty in tears after the Brisbane captain issued an apology.

The AFL won’t take any action on Brisbane captain Dayne Zorko’s unsavoury on-field sledge to Harrison Petty as Melbourne revealed it raised the matter with Brisbane during Friday night’s game because it feared the spite in the game could spiral out of control.

Both clubs spoke with AFL officials on Saturday morning about the third-term incident which left a shaken Petty in tears and consoled by teammates at three-quarter-time.

Petty and Melbourne did not wish to take the matter further, saying they were satisfied with the apology from Zorko who expressed his “remorse” over the comments believed to be about a family member.

Harrison Petty in tears at three-quarter time. Picture: Channel 7

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Zorko was “counselled” by senior Lions officials including CEO Greg Swann, chairman Andrew Wellington, senior coach Chris Fagan and general manager of football Danny Daly.

The veteran is available to play in the Lions’ elimination final in a fortnight, but the incident could hinder his chances of retaining the club’s captaincy next season.

“I have apologised to Harrison for the inappropriate comment I made to him (on Friday night),” Zorko said.

“I’m remorseful for my actions and take full responsibility for the hurt caused to Harrison, his family and the Melbourne Football Club.

“In reflection, I understand I need to be a better leader, and have spoken with the Club who have reinforced this.”

Melbourne general manager of AFL performance Alan Richardson said on Saturday he felt compelled to inform Daly of the incident during the course of the game.

“There were a couple of reasons ... it was inappropriate so something needed to be said, and there was a quarter of footy left for a footy club or a player to apologise,” Richardson said on SEN.

“My motivation at that stage was for it not to become as public as it has, and to sort it out as two footy clubs.

“The other part was that our blokes were pretty emotional.

Dayne Zorko has apologised for his behaviour and remarks. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“There was a bit in the game in terms of physicality. I was a little bit concerned as to where this might go, so it was basically just a conversation to say ‘You guys are going to have to make sure you do what you need to do to cool things down here’.”

Richardson said Petty and the Demons were satisfied with Zorko’s apology as well as the Lions’ response.

“I have spoken to the AFL and my understanding is that they are pretty comfortable with where it sits,” he said.

“That’s based on the fact Dayne (Zorko) apologised and Harrison Petty is really comfortable with where that sits, and as a footy club we are comfortable with where it sits now too.”

Harry Petty returned to the field after the incident. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Originally published as AFL 2022: Dayne Zorko won’t be punished by AFL over sledge which left Harrison Petty in tears