“Absolutely dominated”: Lions veteran provides insight into Carlton comeback, following dominant start
Brisbane veteran Dayne Zorko has spoken on the stunning situation that unfolded at the Gabba on Friday night, with Carlton eroding a 46-point deficit to end Brisbane’s winning streak at the venue.
The former Lions captain believes they played the best quarter of football they’ve produced under coach Chris Fagan to start the game, and given they kicked 7.2 and restricted Carlton to just two shots at goal, it’s hard to disagree.
Zorko says their intensity fell away in the second half, despite being fully aware of the Blues’ ability to score quickly when the game is on their terms.
“For whatever reason, we lacked a bit of intensity around the ball and credit to Carlton and their big men, they delivered in spades,” Zorko told SENQ’s Pat and Heals.
“They had a 25-minute period there just before half-time and 15 minutes after half time that they absolutely dominated us and we saw how quickly they could hit the scoreboard.
“We knew it would be a threat, they did it to us in the Preliminary Final where they kicked the first five goals last year.
“We knew they had that sort of firepower in them and for whatever reason we weren’t able to halt their momentum and then for the last quarter and a half it was a real arm wrestle and a grind.”
Despite the loss, Zorko says there are positives for the Lions to lean on heading into their Round 1 clash with Fremantle.
“There’s still plenty of positives to come out of the game for us. Our start was probably the best football I’ve seen us play in Chris Fagan’s tenure I believe,” he said.
“The intensity around the ball, our pressure, and then our ability to determine whether to handball out of stoppage or kick, our ball movement was a real highlight.
“Even once Carlton got in front, our ability to make it that scrap that we like, the mood will be disappointing today, but we can’t dwell on it too long.”
Zorko was excellent in the loss, kicking two goals, having a goal assist and seven marks to go with 19 disposals.
