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AAP
AAP
Sport
Murray Wenzel

Lions skipper Zorko to play on in 2023 AFL

Brisbane skipper Dayne Zorko has signed a one-year contract extension with the AFL club. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Dayne Zorko will play a 12th AFL season with Brisbane after the long-time captain confirmed a one-year contract extension.

The 33-year-old survived a thorough examination of his leadership following a final-round sledging incident to steer the Lions into a preliminary final.

He's a strong chance to be voted in by his peers to again captain the club in 2023 as they seek a fifth-straight finals appearance and hunt a breakthrough title.

Confirmation of his contract extension on Tuesday cames as coach Chris Fagan remained stood down, pending an AFL investigation into claims of historic racism while he worked at Hawthorn.

Zorko publicly backed his coach, who has denied any wrongdoing during his time at the Hawks, in an SEN radio segment earlier on Tuesday.

In a statement released by the club later in the day Zorko thanked the Lions for their faith in his longevity.

"Even though I am not getting any younger, I have been really enjoying my football as we have such a great group of players and people at the club," he said.

"The club has been building towards something really exciting the past few seasons and with that looking to continue next year, I really wanted to be a part of it."

Lions football boss Danny Daly said 230-gamer and Gold Coast junior Zorko - a five-time Brisbane best and fairest - would be valuable on and off the field next year.

"He still offers plenty as a player, but as we look to bring in more young and exciting talent, the leadership and mentoring that Dayne can offer them is invaluable," Daly said.

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