Dayne Zorko today becomes the 57th person to Captain the Brisbane Lions in their combined 133-year VFL/AFL history of Fitzroy and the Brisbane Bears.

Zorko will front an eight-man leadership group with Harris Andrews as Vice-Captain. Ryan Lester, Stefan Martin and Allen Christensen will return to the group, with new additions Darcy Gardiner, Jarrod Berry and Lachie Neale. The group will continue to be mentored by Luke Hodge.

Zorko was the interim Captain for most of the 2018 season with the team winning four of their five victories under his reign.

He will become only the second Captain to wear the number 15 guernsey, following Fitzroy’s John Hayes in 1966. He is the 11th person to Captain the Brisbane Lions post-merger.

Zorko said he was honoured to be officially instated as Captain by his teammates.

“I am really honoured to be Captain of the football Club, a Club with a great, successful history,” he said.

“I am absolutely thrilled to lead this Club into the next chapter.”

Zorko’s arrival at the Gabba is one of resilience.

He came in 2011 after being knocked back in numerous AFL Drafts. The following year the energetic midfielder made his debut in Round 7, 2012 and has never looked back. This season he is expected to play his 150th AFL match.

Senior Coach Chris Fagan is proud of the 30-year-old’s appointment.

“Dayne took over mid-way through last year as Captain,” Fagan said.

“He accepted this challenge with enthusiasm and his leadership and drive was a key factor in our performance improvement in the second half of the season.

“His teammates respect and enjoy his positive approach and passion for the Club.

“This is the primary reason he has been voted by the players and coaches to lead the team in 2019.”

Zorko is regarded as one of the best defenders in the competition. Last season he ranked in the Top 5 key defensive categories including pressure acts and chase down tackles.

“His ability to win the ball and attack the game on offence is undoubted,” Fagan said.

“His willingness to apply pressure is how he inspires his teammates and why he was our obvious choice for Captain.”

Our 2019 Leadership Group has been named!



Read more: https://t.co/gtlR6H5hbh pic.twitter.com/QUQ7mjzLdl — Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) February 14, 2019

The seven members joining him are thrilled to lead beside him:

Harris Andrews – “I’m stoked to be a part of the leadership group and be leading this emerging team for the 2019 season. I’m excited about where we as a Club are headed.”



Stefan Martin – “I feel grateful to the group for trusting me to help lead the team, and would like to repay the faith by giving as much as I can to the group.”

Ryan Lester – “I feel proud and excited to play a part in leading our team and Club for the 2019 season. We are excited for what’s to come.”

Darcy Gardiner – “I’m honoured and privileged to be a part of the leadership group for the 2019 season. I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can achieve as a Club going forward.”

Jarrod Berry – “I feel enthusiastic and honoured about the opportunity to learn off some great leaders.”

Lachie Neale – “It’s a privilege for me to join the Lions’ leadership group in my first year at the Club. Fages’ is a great leader in his coaching role and having Hodgey’s input is second-to-none.”

Allen Christensen – “I’m proud to be part of this leadership group for the third year and strongly believe in our cause.”