Premiership star Dayne Zorko has revealed how he contemplated stepping aside to “play the kids” amid a mid-season form slump in 2024. Speaking to 3AW post-game, the 35-year-old described the plethora of emotions he was feeling after a 10-goal smoking of Sydney on the last Saturday in September.

“I’ll let you in on a little secret,” Zorko begun by saying. “At Round 12 (when) we had the bye - myself, Joe (Daniher) and Ryan Lester sat down with Harris Andrews and we said: ‘Might be time we start playing the kids, we might have to turn to next year. ‘If that’s the case, it’s been fun.’”

The Lions were struggling at this point in the season, and Zorko and his fellow veterans were starting to feel the pressure. However, the four players decided to have a frank discussion about the team's future and came up with a plan to turn their season around.

“But we came up with a real clear plan that day that we weren’t going to go down that path; there was so much football to go,” Zorko said. “Every week for the last 14 weeks, we’ve caught up as a group - we added Josh Dunkley to that frame… and we just talk through everything every week, we catch up for coffee. We really wanted to make a difference and impact this season.”

The Turning Point

The meeting in Round 12 proved to be a turning point for the Lions. The team started to gel and play with more purpose and confidence. Zorko’s decision to stay on and lead the team was a key factor in their success. Zorko, known for his leadership qualities, was able to inspire his teammates and get them back on track. The Lions went on to win the next 14 games, including a dominant grand final victory over Sydney.

Zorko's Commitment and Determination

Zorko's commitment to the team was evident in his willingness to step aside and allow younger players to have a chance to play. This was not a decision that he took lightly. Zorko, a seasoned veteran who had been with the club for over a decade, had a lot to lose. His decision to stay on and help the team is a testament to his commitment to the team and his determination to achieve success.

Overcoming Adversity

Zorko's decision to stay on and lead the team was not without its challenges. Zorko had to deal with the pressure of expectations, as well as the disappointment of not being able to play as much as he had in the past. The Lions' recent history had been marked by heartache and disappointment. However, Zorko's determination and resilience helped the team overcome these setbacks.

A New Era for the Lions

The Lions' premiership victory is a sign that the club is entering a new era. The team has a talented young core, led by the experience of Zorko and other veterans like Joe Daniher and Harris Andrews. Zorko's commitment to the team is a testament to his leadership qualities and his dedication to the club. The Lions are poised for continued success in the years to come.

The team's success was a result of the hard work and dedication of all the players and staff, but Zorko's role in the turnaround was significant. His decision to stay on and lead the team was a critical moment in the Lions' season. He deserves a lot of credit for the team's success, which culminates in a historic AFL premiership.

The Future is Bright

Zorko’s journey from contemplating retirement to leading the Lions to victory is a remarkable story. It is a testament to his determination, leadership, and commitment to the team. The future is bright for the Lions, with Zorko at the helm. The team's success is a sign that they are on the right track, and Zorko's leadership will be crucial to their continued success.