- Official AFL season begins on March 5
Brisbane Lions star Dayne Zorko has slammed the AFL’s returning State Of Origin match, feeling the fixture isn’t inclusive.
The upcoming match is set to take place on February 14, with Western Australia lining up against Victoria at Optus Stadium in Perth.
It will be the first Origin-style match up since a Bushfire Relief exhibition game in 2020.
Although many supporters are excited to see the interstate clash return, Zorko isn’t on the same page.
He has questioned the relevance of the clash, claiming many of the code’s best players have been excluded due to the states they hail from.
‘Will I tune in? I’m probably undecided at the moment,’ he told SEN Queensland.
Brisbane Lions great Dayne Zorko (pictured) has taken aim at the AFL’s returning State of Origin concept
The Lions veteran (pictured) believes the fixture is not inclusive to a number of AFL stars
‘I understand that Victoria and WA are probably the biggest drawcards, but why not give everyone the opportunity?’ Zorko asked.
‘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.’
Zorko also pointed to the timing of the fixture.
He believes the AFL had no choice but to schedule it before the season begins.
‘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?’, he said.
‘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.’
Zorko has played 304 games for the Brisbane Lions since debuting with the club in 2012.
The 35-year-old (pictured, with wife Talia) was born in Brisbane and has played for the Lions since 2012
Zorko (pictured left) enjoyed the spoils of Brisbane’s 2025 title with teammate Lachie Neale
He is a two-time AFL premiership winner, and was captain of the Lions between 2018 and 2022.
It comes as Western Australia and Victoria’s state-based rivalry will return to the elite level for the first time in more than 25 years.
The upcoming match is officially sold out.
It will take place at 4:40pm AEDT on February 14.
