Magic man: Lion Zorko claims fourth straight Merrett-Murray Medal
Dayne Zorko's place in Brisbane's history has been rubber-stamped, with the Lions skipper claiming a fourth-straight Merrett-Murray Medal at the best-and-fairest count on Saturday night.
In a thrilling count, Zorko polled 250 votes to edge Dayne Beams, who relinquished the captaincy mid-year, by a point, while Stefan Martin was third (242 points). Defenders Darcy Gardiner and Harris Andrews completed the top five.
Zorko, who spent time in the midfield and up forward, had another strong season, averaging 21 disposals and seven tackles and booted 26 goals for the year. The man nicknamed the "Magician" also had a career-high 159 tackles in a year the improving Lions won five matches and emerged as a team on the rise.
The only other Lion to enjoy four consecutive best and fairests was Kevin Murray, who won five straight from 1960-64. Murray, Roger Merrett and club chairman Andrew Wellington presented the medal to Zorko.
Zorko's latest win means he goes past three-time winners Simon Black, Jonathan Brown, Norm Brown and Len Wigraft and it leaves him outright seventh on the Lions' all-time club champion list, behind Murray (nine), John Murphy, Paul Roos, Allan Ruthven, Garry Wilson and Michael Voss, who all have five.
He was elevated to the captaincy mid-season after Beams indefinitely stepped down to grieve his father’s death.
Midfield coach Dale Tapping presented Beams the Nigel Lappin trophy for finishing second. He was also second last year, having been a joint winner with Zorko, Martin and Mitch Robinson in 2015.
Beams, who was equal fifth in the AFL Coaches Association champion player award, has confirmed he will remain with the Lions for the next two seasons after there had been conjecture the former Magpie could seek a trade back to Melbourne.
"After having our exit meetings earlier this week, I thought it was a good time to let everybody know I won’t be going anywhere. I love the coach, the playing group, and am excited about where this footy club is headed," Beams said.
In other awards, Alex Witherden was awarded the rookie of the year in his second year at the club, Andrews was named as the most professional while premiership players Robert Copeland and Beau McDonald, along with current player Daniel Rich, were inducted as life members.
2018 Merrett-Murray Medal votes
Dayne Zorko 250
Dayne Beams 249
Stefan Martin 242
Darcy Gardiner 228
Harris Andrews 208
Jarrod Berry 205
Hugh McCluggage 200
Luke Hodge 185
Nick Robertson 172
Alex Witherden 170