SHAKE IT UP

Sun takes aim over ‘unsportsmanlike’ post-game snub

TOUK Miller has lit the fuse for what may be a fiery second QClash of the season, calling out Brisbane midfielder Dayne Zorko for unsportsmanlike behaviour following Gold Coast’s win at the Gabba.

The dual Marcus Ashcroft medal winner silenced his AllAustralian counterpart from the Lions in Sunday’s fivepoint win after being given a shutdown role by Suns coach Stuart Dew. Gold Coast product Zorko (pictured tackling Miller) was held to 10 touches by Miller who engaged physically with Brisbane’s ball-winner for the entire four quarters.

In the aftermath of the siren Zorko snubbed Miller’s offer of a handshake, a move the unconcerned Suns’ midfielder said was unsportsmanlike.

“Everyone is really competitive and sometimes it’s just a match of footy, people forget that,” Miller said.

“(A handshake) would have been nice, a bit of sportsmanship would have gone a long way but in saying that it’s not too much of my concern.”

Miller, who yesterday was charged with misconduct for an incident against Zorko in the opening quarter, said he felt like he got under the Brisbane player’s skin after watching Zorko give away multiple free-kicks, including one that led to a rare goal from Suns cocaptain Steven May.

“After four quarters when you are hitting someone that many times it probably pays off down the track,” Miller said.

“The game plan worked in that regard. The mentality was to try and shut him out and be accountable for him.

“He is a really highly respected player, an All-Australian, and I just tried to take on that challenge. The game plan worked in that regard.

“I probably came out on top but in saying that it was a good battle.”

Miller said his success against Zorko made him realise a tagging role may be something he could do frequently going forward.

“If I do then I’ll take the role head on,” Miller said.

“I have done it a few times in the past but I think this is probably the first time it has stood out for me that it could be a role going forward”

Miller didn’t sacrifice any of his own influence on the game while running with Zorko, recording 21 disposals and seven clearances.

“Zorko is the type of person that takes you to the ball,” Miller said.

“That’s mainly why I got my hands on it a little bit, he was in the area and I managed to find it.”

Miller was charged with misconduct against Zorko by the MRP for an incident in the first quarter while teammate Jesse Lonergan was charged with striking Alex Witherden in the second term.

Miller can accept a $1500 fine while Lonergan can accept a $2000 fine after it was deemed to be intentional conduct with low impact to the body.