Brisbane’s Dayne Zorko has responded after Gold Coast’s Touk Miller was suspended for one match for conduct unbecoming.
Suns co-captain Miller tackled Zorko during last weekend’s Q-Clash and in the process made contact with the groin region of the former Lions skipper.
Initially there was no action taken by the AFL’s MRO despite Zorko’s complaints for the ‘squirrel grip’ action, but eventually the matter was heard and in the end Miller copped the ban.
Zorko, who was clearly miffed earlier in the week, has spoken in the wake of Thursday night’s Tribunal hearing.
“From my point of view, the hearing is now over and we’ve got to focus on Fremantle,” Zorko said on SENQ Breakfast.
“What I will say, the support from not only the club, but I really appreciate the AFL actually looking deeper into it and hearing my side of the story as well. I thought it was really great that they were able to do that.
“It’s finished now, the investigation is over and I’m just looking forward to playing this week.”
Zorko admits he was “quite distressed” about the situation in the early aftermath, but is now keen to move on.
These two do NOT like each other ❌
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There was so venom in that from Zorko and Miller 💥
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“We saw in the vision what had partaken,” he added.
“The fact the AFL were open to hearing and obviously we sat down with the Integrity Unit and the Suns would have done the same.
“I’m happy to put it past me now. It was a difficult week but the support from the club and the AFL in whole has been amazing.”
Gold Coast footy boss Wayne Campbell spoke after Miller received the one-match sanction.
He said the club was disappointed in the decision but would not appeal the suspension.
“We accept the AFL's decision but as a club we are extremely disappointed in the outcome,” said Campbell.
“Touk is the captain of our football club and has built a reputation as a fair and strong leader who is admired by the entire AFL community.
“He is one of the most highly respected players in the competition and it's disappointing his integrity and character has been tarnished during this process.”
In response to that, Zorko was happy to accept the apology as he shifts his focus to the Lions’ remaining home and away matches.
“I appreciate the apology, no doubt about that,” Zorko said.
“It is what it is. I think both of us are happy to move on and get on with the rest of the season now.”
Zorko said he and Miller have not made contact since the weekend.
The third-placed Lions meet Fremantle at Optus Stadium this Sunday evening.