Why Zorko isn’t looking forward to AFL State of Origin

Brisbane veteran Dayne Zorko isn’t overly excited about the return of AFL State of Origin.

The concept returns on February 14 when WA host Victoria at Optus Stadium, with the clash the first Origin-style match since the Bushfire Relief game in early 2020.

Zorko himself won’t be featuring in the match as he hails from Queensland, and one of the reasons he’s not all that keen on the exhibition match is that a lot of the league’s best have been naturally excluded due to the states they’re from. 

“Will I tune in? I'm probably undecided at the moment,” Zorko told SENQ Breakfast.

“It's also due to the fact that not everyone gets the opportunity to play, it's only the Victorians and the WA team. Why can't the other states play like SA or an Allies team, including Queensland, Tassie and New South Wales?

“I understand that Victoria and WA are probably the biggest drawcards, but why not give everyone the opportunity?

“If you're going to do it, allow everyone to play over that weekend, make it like a little carnival, that's the way I would have done it.

“But I guess they're probably just testing the waters again. Obviously, it's been a long time since they've played.”

Another concern Zorko has is when the game is being played, with the clash coming right before the pre-season ramps up into competitive clashes against rival sides.

With players clearly trying to stay fit ahead of the season beginning properly in March, the 300-gamer isn’t expecting to see the game played at the highest of intensities.

Still, he thinks that the AFL were left with no choice but to host the game at the start of the year given how much players look forward to the mid-season bye during a long campaign.

“I guess from the players' point of view, when else can you possibly have it if it's not at the start of the season?” Zorko asked.

“I think players would probably prefer to enjoy their bye during the middle of the year rather than play a game of football, given we play 23 rounds as it is. 

“I'll be interested to see how it goes and what the viewership's like. 

“I know some people would just be pumped that football is back on the TV. 

“But I think you'll find that most players after a really long pre-season won't be throwing themselves around as much as they're saying.

“I reckon I'd be conserving a little bit of energy, and making sure I get through the season for my club.”

Listen to Zorko’s full chat here: