No second-year blues for Zorko

Brisbane Lions midfielder Dayne Zorko wants to "take the bull by the horns" in 2013. Picture: Mark Calleja Source: The Courier-Mail

DAYNE Zorko worked far too hard to play one season in the AFL to fall victim to second-year syndrome.

So Zorko, the Lions cult figure, is ready to take the bull by the horns in 2013.

The mature-age rookie was a revelation for Brisbane in 2012 after making his long-awaited senior debut in Round 7 against Collingwood at age 23.

The former NEAFL/QAFL star quickly became a crowd favourite at the Gabba and finished the season with the impressive numbers to match.

Zorko also polled six Brownlow Medal votes and finished equal seventh in Brisbane's best-and-fairest count.

Once considered too short, at 175cm, and too slow for the top level, the Gold Coaster showed that he belonged.

But given he fought so hard for his crack at the big time, Zorko is not about to get complacent.

He sought out teammate Daniel Rich, who suffered from second-year syndrome in 2010 after a stunning debut season that earned him the NAB Rising Star award in 2009.

Lions coach Michael Voss told Zorko that he should not have extra expectations of his second season.

"I've been fortunate to have Richy here at the club. He struggled a bit in his second year so I've learned a lot from him," Zorko said.

"We've had quite a few chats about it and Vossy has been really good too."

Zorko is giving himself every chance of at least replicating his heroics from last year.

The midfielder/forward missed a large chunk of Brisbane's pre-season training program last year through injury, but has been front and centre throughout the summer slog this time around.

"I'm well past that now and done a hell of a lot more work which will hopefully keep me in good stead and help me run out games better," Zorko said.

"I'm looking forward to getting a few NAB Cup games under my belt now."

Brisbane will take on the Gold Coast and Hawthorn in short-form matches in the opening round of the NAB Cup at Metricon Stadium on Saturday week.

Zorko celebrated his 24th birthday at Brisbane's fan day at Yeronga on Saturday and was much closer to the centre of attention compared to 12 months ago as he happily signed autographs and posed for photos with fans.

"I was here last year, but it was a fair bit quieter for me," he said. "Nobody would have known who I was. It's a bit of a change but I'm enjoying it."
 

Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang

No second-year blues for Zorko

Dengan url

http://jabatansingkat.blogspot.com/2013/02/no-second-year-blues-for-zorko.html

Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya

No second-year blues for Zorko

namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link

No second-year blues for Zorko

sebagai sumbernya