Footy star learns fate as storm erupts among fans over shocking preliminary final eye swipe

1 hour ago 4

By AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: 08:10 BST, 21 September 2025 | Updated: 19:18 BST, 21 September 2025

Brisbane Lions veteran Dayne Zorko has been fined by the AFL after he ripped off Mason Cox's goggles during their fiery preliminary final clash.

Zorko can accept a $3125 penalty - down from $5000 with an early guilty plea - for misconduct.

But he is free to play in the Lions' third straight grand final, when they take on Geelong at the MCG on Saturday.

Zorko and Cox were involved in a heated confrontation during the first quarter of Brisbane's 29-point win over Collingwood.

It came after Zorko had given away a free kick to Cox, who then kicked the opening goal of the match and charged towards his opponent.

Players from both sides rushed in and Zorko intentionally grabbed Cox's league-approved eyewear, which is used to protect his damaged retinas.

Dayne Zorko appeared to attack the face of Collingwood's Mason Cox during Saturday night's thrilling preliminary final

Footy fans are calling for the league to come down on Zorko over the incident

'Zorko tried to take the glasses off,' said Channel 7 commentator Brian Taylor.

'Look at that. He's had a go at them and tried to peel them off.'

Some social media users called for Zorko to be fined for the act. 

'Should get a week,' posted one X user. 

'Zorko should be suspended for that. Seriously,' replied another.

'Pretty dirty knowing what Cox had to deal with with his eyes,' said a third. 

Cox was not seriously hurt in the incident and played out the match.

Meanwhile, Hawthorn have until Monday to decide whether to challenge Mabior Chol's three-match ban for rough conduct.

Chol was charged over the tackle in Friday's preliminary final that left Geelong's Tom Stewart concussed and ruled out of the grand final.

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