This Lions trio was released by the Suns. They can spoil the fairytale

1 day ago 8

Three former Suns have become key pillars in the Brisbane Lions’ quest to defend their premiership crown and quash their old club’s fairytale run.

The trio – Sam Day, Callum Ah Chee and Dayne Zorko – will be out to remind their rivals up the highway what they missed out on.

Ah Chee went from slumbering talent to premiership hero when he emerged as one of the standout players of the 2024 finals series, having played his first 45 AFL games on the Gold Coast before being traded.

Callum Ah Chee of the Lions and John Noble of the Suns compete for the ball.

His four-goal grand final heroics against Sydney last year followed clutch performances against Carlton, Greater Western Sydney and Geelong.

Zorko never even got on the field for the Suns, swooped up as a 22-year-old Queensland zone selection and then swiftly moved on to Brisbane, where he has become a 300-gamer, premiership hero and two-time All Australian.

“I think maybe for the first couple of years I was a little bit disappointed other clubs didn’t see the potential I may have had,” Zorko said, while stressing he harboured no ill feelings towards the Suns.

“But since then, I’m just grateful Brisbane gave me the opportunity and continue to give me the opportunity. I want to reward them for that.”

Then there is Day, the man initially tasked with filling the void left by the retiring Joe Daniher, after enduring an injury-plagued tenure with the Suns – a dislocated hip, shoulder reconstruction, a serious elbow concern and hamstring issues among the setbacks.

His former outfit’s decision not to re-sign him in 2025 led him to The Den, having been an inaugural player in the yellow and orange kit while amassing 155 appearances and 117 goals.

Since his move, the 33-year-old has kicked just three goals from 13 clashes, 10 of which were wins.

As for the Gold Coast, defender Sam Collins said his side’s maiden finals foray was no dream scenario – aside from the retiring David Swallow’s clutch score in the shadows of full-time.

“You guys are talking about fairytales, but we’ve been believing we’re good enough for the past few years,” Collins said.

“Everyone’s saying it’s a fairytale, and certainly Dave’s part and his role in our win last week was, but as a team that’s just playing finals and winning finals, and that’s something we’ve believed in for a long time.

“As a team, we know we’re capable of winning finals and winning big games of football. It’s certainly not a fairytale inside the walls.”

Collins sensed the Lions’ forward line – lacking Eric Hipwood (knee) for the remainder of the season – would brace for retribution after stumbling against the Cats.

“It’s pretty crazy, Dayzie [Day] was only here last year, and it’s obviously great for him to be experiencing his first finals series as well,” Collins said.

“He was a great servant of our club, and I’m certainly looking forward to playing him this week. It’s a great reward for effort.

“Their forward line is going to be a fair bit different to what I’ve played in the past, but most importantly it’s going to come down to how much pressure we apply on the ball.

“We know our football is good enough to beat the Lions. No matter how Brisbane’s forward line looks, I’m sure we’ll be able to get the job done.”

Charlie Cameron has had an underwhelming season by his standards, but has been back to fire against the Suns.

Among the forward-line Lions is Charlie Cameron, whose form has been subject to heavy scrutiny.

The 31-year-old champion’s 27 goals for the season are the least he has kicked since 2018 - his first year in Brisbane – while his tackle count (47) and average disposals (9.14) are his lowest since 2020.

In the qualifying final defeat to Geelong he registered just one more possession after his early goal.

But he has Collins on edge.

“He’s one of the great small forward of the game. We’ve always had a bit of trouble with him, and there are probably a few nerves playing against him,” Collins said.

“He had a down week last week, but I’m sure as any great player would do he’ll back up. His speed and decision-making before the ball gets to air is what makes him so hard to match up on.

“But I’ve got full belief we can get the job done.”