Lions star fined for targeting Cox’s goggles; Embattled Essendon cut veteran pair

Lions veteran fined for misconduct

Shayne Hope

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.

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

AAP

Embattled Essendon cut veteran pair as change continues

Anna Harrington

Change continues at turbulent Essendon with veteran ruckman Todd Goldstein and defender Jayden Laverde not offered contracts for next season.

The Bombers are in turmoil with unhappy contracted skipper Zach Merrett meeting with Hawthorn, contracted defender Jordan Ridley also wanting out and Sam Draper departing as a free agent.

Now, Laverde and Goldstein will move on, with the Bombers confirming both had signalled their intent to continue their playing careers elsewhere.

Laverde, who is close friends with Merrett, is expected to attempt to snare a spot with former Bombers forward Jake Stringer at GWS.

The 29-year-old played 145 games, kicking 38 goals, since he was drafted at pick No.20 in 2014.

Goldstein joined the Bombers at the end of 2023 after a decorated 315-game career at North Melbourne.

The 37-year-old played 30 games for Essendon, including a surprise 16 this year amid injuries to Draper and Nick Bryan.

The Bombers will clearly need to hit the market for an experienced ruckman, given Bryan is on the comeback trail from an ACL tear and Vigo Visentini is still young and relatively green.

“We’re very grateful for both Jayden and Todd’s contributions in their time at the football club,” Essendon football boss Daniel McPherson said in a statement.

“These decisions are always really difficult, especially in the cases of two players who’ve been incredibly serviceable.

“Jayden’s fight, leadership and courage down back were always highlights of his game and he was dependable whenever called upon.

“For Todd to come in and be as great a mentor as he has for our young players – and especially our rucks – in addition to contributing on-field speaks volumes of his impact.

“We wish both players and their families all the best for the next chapter in their careers.”

Dylan Shiel had already departed, along with delisted pair Alwyn Davey Jnr and Jye Menzie.

Essendon’s off-season will clearly be shaped by what happens with Merrett, who is contracted until the end of 2027 but wants out.

Merrett will almost certainly win his sixth Essendon best and fairest next month, but it appears inconceivable he could attend the Crichton Medal when he wants to cross to a rival, amid the Bombers’ ongoing woes.

Having not won a finals game since 2004, Essendon suffered a diabolical run with injuries this year that contributed to them losing 13 straight games to end the season 15th.

AAP