Dayne Zorko is no certainty to hold onto the Brisbane captaincy heading into 2023.
Zorko, who will turn 34 next month, has led the Lions for five years in a successful tenure that has seen the club play finals for the last four seasons.
Despite being one of the league’s longest-serving skippers after changes at numerous clubs during the off-season, Zorko is making no promises he’ll keep the role for a sixth season.
“There’s a process in place at the moment and a structure we’re all sticking to,” Zorko told SEN’s Pat and Heals.
“Whether that means being the captain, I think we’re going to do it (the process) in the middle of February at some point.
“Obviously I’m more than happy to lead this club. I think it’s dependant on how my body is going as well, of course where the club sees the future of it going.
“I’ll certainly throw my hat in the ring and see what happens, but ultimately that’s one for the hierarchy to decide.”
Harris Andrews, 26, was the club’s sole vice-captain last year. Zorko and Andrews were supported by an additional six in the leadership group.
Zorko also suggested he saw a future at the club after handing up the captaincy, whenever that will come.
“I can help in that process going forward,” Zorko said on supporting the next generation of leaders at the club.
As to who could replace him, midfielder Hugh McCluggage recently admitted he’d love to captain Brisbane one day.
McCluggage, 24, was added to the club’s leadership group in 2020 and has played 130 games since being taken with pick 3 in the 2016 National Draft.
While Zorko doesn’t see him as the standout next option, he believes McCluggage has made a concerted effort to improve in that area.
“For me I think it’s always been Harris who’s probably the next in line,” Zorko explained.
“But what I’ve seen from Hugh in the last 12 months is a real urge to get better as a leader, he’s doing that both on and off the field, he’s really setting a strong example off the field, he’s learning heaps of different things, he’s working on his relationships side.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if he was the next to take over at the club.”
Brisbane took until mid-March last year to fully confirm its leadership group.
After an off-season spent bolstering the squad, Zorko said he was pleased with how the group had come back, but added all clubs were optimistic at this time of the year.
The club has started scratch matches in preparation for the season, which for Chris Fagan’s side begins against Port Adelaide on March 18.