FAGAN PRAISES HIS WARRIORS
BRISBANE senior coach Chris Fagan says Lions captain Dayne Zorko faces an extended time on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury in the 41-point win over the Western Bulldogs at the Gabba on Thursday night.
Zorko lasted just five minutes before his left hamstring gave way in his comeback match.
He originally sustained the injury in the July 11 win against St Kilda.
Fellow veteran Daniel Rich also copped a hamstring injury and left the game in the second term.
Fagan said Zorko ticked all the boxes pregame with Brisbane’s medical staff but faces several weeks out of action.
“I can’t explain that but I know our medical people did everything right, passed every test and ran the speeds he needed to run four or five days ago,’’ Fagan said of Zorko.
“Usually when players reinjure that means a little bit longer so that’s probably what will happen.
“I really don’t know (with Zorko). I spoke to him, he said it just felt like a bit of awareness. (We’ll) wait and see. We’ve got 10 days but you’d think it’s unlikely he’ll play (against Essendon on July 10).
“The good thing is that Jaxon Prior comes in and makes a contribution.
“(Keidean) ‘Kiddy’ Coleman steps up when Richy’s off the ground.’’
Fagan was delighted with the response from last week’s 64-point thrashing by Melbourne at the MCG.
“That was probably more than I would have hoped for, in a way, given there was some adversity early in the game with Zorko and Rich. It’s very early to be down a man,’’ he said.
Fagan paid tribute to Brisbane’s resilient backline led by Coleman and Harris Andrews and the electric performance of small forward Charlie Cameron, who had four goals and five goals assists from 12 disposals.
“We did (do it from the back). All our backs played great games, given they had to defend 57 inside 50s, to keep it to nine goals and a couple late and the oldest most experienced defender off the ground. They were all fantastic,’’ Fagan said.
“There was a 15 differential in clearance but didn’t feel like they were getting clean clearance. It was often a rushed kick and we were able to mark that.
“It was a special game (from Cameron). He has his quiet games every now and then but he’s a constant danger to the opposition and they found it hard to contain him. We needed some inspiration and he provided it.’’