Brisbane defender Daniel Rich is incredibly impressed by skipper Dayne Zorko’s condition throughout pre-season.
Zorko is coming off the back of a 2022 in which he didn’t quite live up to his own high standard, averaging the fourth lowest disposal count of his career (19.9) as he dealt with multiple minor injuries.
However, despite coming into his 12th AFL season, Rich believes the 33-year-old is close to being in the best shape of his career.
“The little man, he’s one of my good mates, he’s doing extremely well and he’s probably in, to be honest, nearly career-best shape,” Rich told SEN’s Dwayne’s World.
“I suppose probably the last two and a half, three years for him has been pretty interrupted with what’s happened, what he’s had to do with his body.
“He’s had continuity, he’s just in ripping shape and almost seems like he’s 25 again.
“I don’t want to pump him up too much, his head will get too big.”
While Zorko is technically still the Brisbane captain, Rich explained that the position is currently up in the air, with the players yet to cast their votes.
“We’ve still got a few weeks until that’s all voted upon, so time will tell with that one,” he said.
“All the guys who would be seen as I suppose potential candidates are training really well, are leading really well, so whoever does end up in that position is going to be super for our club.
“Those guys who are right behind the potential future captain will be just as strong, it’s a good position to be in.”
Rich also revealed that one of the focal points for Brisbane’s pre-season has been improving their defence.
“The best defensive teams over the last few years have shown that they last longer in the season, that’s just the facts,” he said.
“Defence goes a long way to winning premierships and winning those big games.
“That’s definitely been a focus, as I’m sure it has for every team but there’s always areas of your game, you’ve got to continually review things whether it’s week to week or season to season.
“I think you can always improve across the board.”
With Lions having their hopes set on a flag in 2023, they will be looking to start the season on the right foot in their Round 1 matchup against Port Adelaide.