This was published 8 years ago
Tom Rockliff slams Footy Show claims of Dayne Zorko rift
By Beth Newman
Brisbane Lions players Tom Rockliff and Dayne Zorko have rubbished reports of a falling out between the pair.
The Lions captain and vice-captain said claims on Thursday night's Footy Show of a rift at the AFL club were "well and truly off the mark".
Tom Rockliff is angry over reports of a falling out between himself and vice-captain Dayne Zorko.Credit: Getty Images
Rockliff took to Twitter on Thursday night to dispute reports of a rift with Zorko and the latter defended his captain on the club's website on Friday.
Zorko said the pair were close.
"Sure, there are times when I reckon his dress sense could be called into question - but in all seriousness, we have been good mates for a while and will continue to be," Zorko said.
Rockliff said any suggestion of a falling out was "laughable".
"We are really close mates," he said.
"It's laughable to think anyone would suggest that we are anything otherwise."
The 25-year-old midfielder was furious in his response to claims made by journalist Damian Barrett on the AFL Footy Show.
Barrett told the show that Rockliff's leadership style had alienated Zorko.
Rockliff's teammates, including Zorko, were vocal in support of their captain, scoffing at the suggestion.
The report came on the same day the Lions confirmed they would not be renewing the contract of former captain, Jed Adcock, as the club turns to a youth policy.
Adcock was replaced as captain through a player vote at the start of the season and played his 200th game against North Melbourne a month ago.
The veteran, who would be an unrestricted free agent, reportedly wants to play on.
Brisbane is almost certain to farewell top-10 draft picks James Aish and Matthew Leuenberger as well, while South Australian Jack Redden is also reportedly weighing up his future at the team.
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