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Live sport on SN this weekendLynch: Why Dayne Zorko is a Hall of Fame lock
Jaiden Sciberras • August 24th, 2025 3:00 pm
Brisbane Lions star veteran Dayne Zorko has pieced together a highly impressive resume across his 13 years in the AFL.
A four-time Lions Best and Fairest winner, a Premiership player, a two-time All-Australian including the oldest All-Australian of the modern era, Zorko has transcended time in his storied journey at the peak of his powers.
Having yet another brilliant season in 2025, Zorko’s 26 disposals, seven marks and 600 metres gained per game highlight his continued capabilities even at 36 years of age, however the most impressive feat surrounds the early stages of his career.
Zorko wasn't awarded an opportunity on an AFL list until 22 years of age, passed on by the Gold Coast Suns across multiple seasons before being handed a chance by the Lions in 2012. Debuting as a ready-made 23-year-old, Zorko has hardly looked back.
Finding himself in rare air, Zorko is also one of the few players across AFL history to earn an All-Australian nod as both a forward (2017) and a defender (2024), speaking to the adaptability of the star's game.
The final game of the Lions’ 2025 home and away season marks a major milestone in the veteran’s career, taking the field for the 300th time in a crucial battle against Hawthorn at the Gabba.
Looking back at the champion's career, Brisbane legend Alastair Lynch believes it may be hard to leave Dayne Zorko out of any future Hall of Fame discussions.
“What he has done is incredible,” Lynch told SEN Tassie Breakfast.
“Dayne hits 300 games this weekend against Hawthorn, but he didn’t start in the AFL until he was 22 or 23.
“He missed four or five drafts, played at Broadbeach footy club, won four best and fairest (awards). Was a zone player for the Gold Coast Suns and they passed that selection on to the Brisbane Lions.
“He has been exceptional. What he has done with his resilience to lead that team through a really difficult time, and to get to a 300-game milestone – I think Dayne is building a CV now that sees him going into the AFL Hall of Fame.
“300 games, premiership player, former captain of the club, four AFL best and fairest (awards) on top of his Broadbeach best and fairests as well.
“It’s been an exceptional career, and what he’s done to reinvent himself over the last two years is first class.”
Through 299 games, Zorko has averaged 22 disposals and five tackles a game, recording a near-identical record of 149 wins, 148 losses and two draws.
He has featured in at least 16 games in every season since his debut in 2012, and if a healthy season ensues in 2026, Zorko will surpass Simon Black to become the Brisbane Lions’ games record holder.
The 300-game milestone is set for a major top four shaping clash, as the Lions host Hawthorn this Sunday night.
