Lion airs concerns

Skipper worried underdone players risk injury

HAVING just three weeks to get ready for the season’s resumption is a concern for Brisbane captain Dayne Zorko.

While the midfielder is delighted to have returned to training this week under strict biosecurity rules, he admits the short time frame before the season resumes in June comes with an increased risk of injury.

“It is a little bit of a concern, to be honest,” Zorko said.

“Coming off a 12-13 week pre-season, having games, then having seven weeks off where you’re not exactly feeling the bumps and bruises, the change of direction all that sort of stuff, only having a mini pre-season, certainly worries a little bit.”

Lions players were split into groups of eight when training resumed at the Gabba this week, in a move replicated all across the country as the 18 AFL clubs got preparations under way ahead of the season resumption on June 11.

All players must adhere to a strict set of protocols to ensure the AFL can resume, including twice weekly testing for COVID-19 and isolating themselves as much as possible from the wider community.

Zorko says the sacrifices are tough but worth doing if it means the competition can resume.

“The team that can accommodate and get used to those rules as quickly as possible will be the team that benefits through this period,” he said.

“It’s obviously tricky and a lot of players will certainly be seeking advice as to what they can and can’t do. I know the rules are there and pretty strict.

“We’re saying that if there’s any doubt, don’t do it, or ring a leader.

“It’s going to be difficult … that’s just what it is and that’s just a sacrifice we need to make to get the game up and running ... the players understand that.

“It’s just what we have to do for now.”