ZORKO’S BIG TICK FOR AUSSIE SERIES
DAYNE BUYS IN FOR INTERNATIONAL RULES
IT took Dayne Zorko just one opportunity to don the green and gold to become a devotee of International Rules.
The zippy Gold Coast product capped one of the best years of his career by starring for Australia in their 10-point win over Ireland in the season opener in Adelaide last weekend. Zorko claimed his third Lions’ club champion award and his first All Australian blazer this year but insists that earning selection for the hybrid series against the Irish meant more than a few end-of-season giggles to the players. “I loved it,” he said.
“We all spoke about how great it was to be involved in and how enjoyable it was. To play with the elite players, you don’t get to do that every day, so that was special.
“I really like the concept of it and we spoke to the Irish after the game and even though they were disappointed to have lost, and they were really disappointed, they also enjoyed the occasion.’’
Zorko admitted that he had never paid close attention to the series before earning the call-up, but he was now hooked on it and desperate to retain his form in a bid to hold his place for the next series, expected to be staged in Ireland in 2019.
“To be honest I hadn’t really followed it,” he said.
“I watched one game in 2014 in Perth and enjoyed it but I’ve never really watched the games in Ireland because of the time difference. But I am a massive advocate for it.
“If we could extend it, I reckon all the boys in this team would love to play more of it.’’
The 28-year-old said there were instances in the opening match when players forgot the rules, especially with the limit on handballs, but he expected a more polished performance in the second Test in Perth on Sunday.
But as far as either side having an advantage because of the rules, Zorko isn’t buying it.
“The rules are different from Gaelic footy so both teams have to adjust – we have the tackling element and they have the round ball,” he said.
“But it is not too much different. Everything we can’t do in AFL we can’t do in this game as well. It wasn’t overly physical which I think the players enjoyed. It really was a more endurance game.’’
Zorko, who has won the past three medals as Brisbane’s best and fairest, will return to Lions pre-season training a week later due to the series.