“There’s probably going to be a lot of talk about that sort of thing [contracts], but we’re focused on the year ahead.
“Whatever happens at the end of the year happens, but this group is focused on week by week, and hopefully, we can get back to the end of September again.”
Jaspa Fletcher has played grand finals in his only two AFL seasons.Credit: via Getty Images
Star forward Joe Daniher’s retirement left the only void in the Lions side who conquered the Sydney Swans on grand final day, with his place expected to be taken by former Gold Coast Sun Sam Day.
The additions of highly touted draftees Levi Ashcroft and Sam Marshall has only heightened competition for spots.
It will create an almighty selection headache for Fagan once he has a full-strength squad to choose from, with even his veterans such as Zorko no guarantee of retaining their spots.
Zorko’s shift to halfback, having spent the12 years in the midfield or forward line, came to accommodate the losses of Coleman and Doedee, but the 35-year-old confirmed he was set to remain in the backline.
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The reigning All-Australian welcomed the battle for positions, adamant the club’s motivation came from a desire for the returning contingent to taste the same success of 2024.
“We’re going to be having some really healthy competition for spots again. Those guys with injuries are all going to come back into our team at one point, and that just shows how well we’ve recruited over the last few years and that we’re going to have some really strong depth,” Zorko said.
“There are a lot of guys coming back from rehab, and the majority of them are starters, so the guys who are on the track at the moment have got to put their case forward.
“For those guys who have been an integral part of our team over the last six years and experienced all the hardships and losses, it would be great to recreate that feeling once again for all of them.”
