Dayne Zorko sledge that left Harrison Petty in tears revealed

It was a distressing moment that stunned AFL. Now Dayne Zorko’s personal sledge at Harrison Petty has now been brought to light.

The sledge which left Harrison Petty in tears has been revealed. Photo: Channel 7 and Getty Images

The AFL was left stunned after Friday night’s match between Melbourne and the Brisbane Lions was marred by the distressing scenes of Demons star Harrison Petty in tears at three-quarter time.

Post-match it was revealed Lions captain Dayne Zorko had delivered a personal sledge directed at a member of Petty’s family.

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The AFL investigated the incident, while the Lions and Zorko issued apologies and the Demons appeared eager to put the incident behind the club and Petty.

The Herald Sun’s Mark Robinson has revealed the sledge which drew such a strong reaction.

“The sledge by Dayne Zorko to Harrison Petty was something like this: I hope your mother dies,” Robinson wrote.

He added: “Zorko is a classic case of white line fever. It is said he is a decent bloke off the field, but on it, and as we’ve all seen, he becomes crazily competitive.”

He added it raises several questions, including why Zorko wasn’t charged by the AFL, why hadn’t the AFL Players’ Association slammed the comments and who would even think to say something like that.

Robinson also believes “It was appalling from Zorko and there’s no chance he will be captain of the club next year”.

Why would you say that? Photo by Albert Perez/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Zorko was panned on social media over the incident, despite seeking out Petty after the match and sharing some words.

The Lions reportedly apologised for the incident on Friday night, while Petty wanted to put the situation behind him.

Zorko also apologised on Saturday via a statement from the Lions.

“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 football Alan Richardson also said the AFL was involved but all parties were happy with the state of events.

“Yeah, they are (involved). I’ve spoken to the AFL, my understanding is they’re pretty comfortable with where it sits,” Richardson said.

“I can’t speak for them but that’s certainly the tone that I got based on the fact that Dayne (Zorko) apologised and Harrison Petty is really comfortable with where it sits.

“As a footy club, we’re comfortable with where it sits now too.

“They’ve been really quite sincere in their apology, that’s not the sort of behaviour they want from their players, they were really impressive yesterday in terms of taking the issue seriously.”

Harrison Petty seen upset after he was sledged by Lions Dayne Zorko . Screen grabs Channel 7

Petty and Zorko had a chat after the game. Photo: Channel 7

Post-match, Demons coach Simon Goodwin revealed the sledge had involved a family member.

However, the AFL decided not to take any action over the sledge.

Speaking on Fox Footy’s First Crack, Roos champion David King said the AFLPA should draw a line in the sand and if a player steps outside the code, “we’re going to sanction you, we’re going to fine you, we’re going to suspend you, we’re going to take a greater control of what’s acceptable and what’s not because this is not the first time.”

Saints great Leigh Montagna said be believes the Lions should take the matter into their own hands as “Zorko has form in this area”.

King said: “You can’t be captain doing that stuff.”

Originally published as Dayne Zorko sledge that left Harrison Petty in tears revealed