AFL 2023: Brisbane’s two big list questions before free agency opens

The future of two Brisbane midfielders remains up in the air, with a veteran waiting on a new deal and a young gun considering leaving the Lions. Here’s the latest.

Dayne Zorko, Cam Rayner and Jarrod Berry pictured at the Brisbane Lions end of season fan day.

Two big question marks sit in the Brisbane Lions’ lap ahead of the start of free agency on Friday.

While the club continues its hot pursuit of in-demand Adelaide defender Tom Doedee, there’s some work to be done in its backyard with the future of two midfielders yet to be confirmed.

Former skipper Dayne Zorko has repeatedly declared his intention to play on next season, however there has been no indication from the club that a fresh contract is forthcoming.

Zorko will be 35 at the start of next season and just played his 250th AFL game in Saturday’s heart-wrenching grand final loss to Collingwood.

He averaged 19 disposals, 3.5 tackles and two clearances in 2023, and played a major role in the Lions’ run to a first grand final since 2004.

The five-time club best-and-fairest is now off-contract and though his teammates have lined up one by one to present the case for him to go around again next season, his future remains uncertain.

“Every conversation I’ve had with him is that he’s keen to go around again,” teammate and brother-in-law Ryan Lester said on Monday.

“So unless he pulls a big surprise on us all I think he’s certainly played good enough footy to play on.

“Clearly we’re in a premiership window, so I don’t see why he wouldn’t go around again.”

Dayne Zorko signs autographs at the Lions end of season fan day in Brisbane. Picture: Josh Woning

Chris Fagan was asked about Zorko’s future both before and after the preliminary final clash against Carlton and though full of praise for the midfielder, would not bite on any contract talk.

Wednesday night’s Club Champion presentation would appear the perfect time to announce Zorko’s extension, however this masthead understands there are no plans at this stage for that to be the case.

“Zorks is a massive part of this club,” Hugh McCluggage said.

“We love having him out there and he’s still got plenty left to give. He’s played some really good footy this year.

“I’m sure that he’ll be leading us into next year … he’ll play a big part in what we have to do next year.”

On the other end of the scale is young midfielder Deven Robertson, who is weighing up whether to sign a short-term deal with the Lions or look elsewhere for more opportunity.

The 22-year-old made 16 appearances this season including in the grand final, where he had 13 disposals and kicked a goal.

Brisbane boasts one of the deepest midfield groups in the AFL and it will only grow next season once Will Ashcroft returns from his ACL injury.

Deven Robertson in action during the grand final. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The Lions are also poised to grab Ashcroft’s brother, Levi, as a father-son selection in the 2024 draft.

Levi, 16, starred in the under-17 futures match on grand final day, gathering 26 disposals, five inside-50s and a goal and has already been spoken of in a similar breath to his brother.

Lester voiced his hope that Robertson would re-sign and help the Lions get back to the last Saturday in September.

“From where we were 10 years ago when we lost those five guys, all high draft picks, something I’ve been proud of with this club is how well we have retained talent,” he said.

“Kai Lohmann was an example of that, re-signing a couple of weeks ago – hopefully Dev will be the same.

“He adds plenty for us in terms of his work rate and pressure and he’s still so young. There’s so much improvement in him.”

Originally published as AFL 2023: Brisbane’s two big list questions before free agency opens