Brisbane Lions to challenge ex-skipper Dayne Zorko’s one-match suspension

Dayne Zorko will face the tribunal on Wednesday night following Brisbane’s decision to fight his suspension for putting his hands near the eyes of an opponent.

The Lions will fight the one-match ban slapped on former Brisbane skipper Dayne Zorko for making contact to the eye region of Adelaide’s Luke Pedlar. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The Lions will fight the one-match ban slapped on former Brisbane skipper Dayne Zorko for making contact to the eye region of Adelaide’s Luke Pedlar.

The incident, which occurred in the Lions’ loss to the Crows at Adelaide Oval on Sunday, led to the match review officer assessing it as “intentional conduct with low-impact and high contact” and serving Zorko a one-match suspension.

However, the Lions – who have a bye this weekend – announced on Tuesday via social media that they will the challenge the ban on Zorko, who as it stands will miss Brisbane’s next match on Saturday week against Hawthorn at the MCG.

Former Lions star Luke Hodge backed the decision to fight the charge at the tribunal on Wednesday night.

Dayne Zorko reaches for the ball in Brisbane’s loss to Adelaide. Picture: Sarah Reed / AFL Photos via Getty Images

“I can understand for the look of it that they would throw him up, but I would expect for Zorko to contest it, considering there was no push and shove and no issues between both players,” Hodge said on SEN’s Sportsday.

“I look at the reaction of the player. (Pedlar) has got up and they sort of spoke; ‘Zorks’ lifted him up and they had a bit of a joke.”

The Lions also announced on Tuesday that in-form defender Jack Payne, who missed the loss to the Crows due to concussion protocols, would be available for selection for Brisbane’s battle with the Hawks.

Noah Answerth (concussion) and Callum Ah Chee (quad) will also be available to return after the Lions’ bye.

Meanwhile, Gold Coast defender Jy Farrar has signed a two-year contract extension with the Suns.

“We’ve got such a talented and determined group and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else as we continue to push towards success for this club and this city,” 26-year-old Farrar said.

“Gold Coast is my home and I love the Suns and everything they have given me.”

The Suns again play in Darwin on Saturday night when they meet the Crows.

Originally published as Brisbane Lions to challenge ex-skipper Dayne Zorko’s one-match suspension