Lions appoint Zorko skipper for new year

DAYNE Zorko will spearhead a bumper Brisbane leadership group in 2020 after being voted Lions captain by his teammates for the second straight season.

Brisbane has expanded its leadership group to nine players in 2020 with Zorko and vice-captain Harris Andrews joined by Darcy Gardiner, Stefan Martin, Lachie Neale, Ryan Lester, Jarrod Berry and new members — Jarryd Lyons and Hugh McCluggage.

Brisbane’s board rubber-stamped the nine-man pride this week.

Zorko — a four-time club champion and 2017 All-Australian — led Brisbane to the finals in his first full season in the role last year after taking the reins from Dayne Beams midway through the 2018 campaign. He said the size of the leadership group was testament to the maturity of Brisbane’s list and was honoured to get the nod from his peers again.

“It’s really important to have as many on-field leaders as possible. These guys have shown some really strong leadership qualities over the past few years and they’ve been rewarded with a spot in this group,’’ Zorko said.

“Our young emerging players can learn a lot from these guys. It would be foolish not to use their experience. To be captain of this football club is something I’m extremely proud of. It’s great to know that my teammates see me as their leader and I don’t want to let them down.

“I want to do everything right and set a really strong example again this year.’’

Allen Christensen stepped away from the leadership group as he makes his way back from minor back surgery last year.

The promotion underlines the remarkable career comeback for Lyons, who was delisted by the Suns at the end of 2018.

He was outstanding for the Lions in 2019, averaging 24 possessions and six tackles per game to finish fourth in the best-and-fairest count.