Inside the bitter feud that defined the Lions-Suns rivalry

The bitter rivalry between Touk Miller and Dayne Zorko has defined the ferocity of their derby clashes for seven years, as the pair prepares to face off in the most crucial battle in Queensland’s AFL history.

In the Gold Coast Suns’ fledgling days, when the QClash struggled for relevancy in a state dominated by rugby league, the on-field feud between the two competitors helped ignite a genuine intrastate rivalry.

Their history dates back to early 2018, when Miller held his Brisbane Lions rival to just 10 touches while finishing with 21 disposals of his own to win the second of his four Marcus Ashcroft Medals – the award for the best player on ground in the Queensland derby.

The midfielder patted Zorko on the back and offered a handshake, which the latter refused. When they met later that year, their battle was bruising, with Zorko gaining the upper hand in a tight Lions win.

Brisbane’s veteran was spotted laughing at Miller as he extended his hand.

The tension escalated further in 2023.

Despite being cleared by the match review officer in round 20 of that season, an AFL investigation led to Miller receiving a one-game suspension for “conduct unbecoming” after contacting Zorko’s groin in a tackle.

Miller, now 29, admitted he harboured hatred for the defending premiers yet could not help but praise his nemesis.

“[Zorko’s] a fantastic player – I respect the way he goes about it on the field – and I’m sure we’re going to clash at some point,” Miller said, as his Suns prepared for a semi-final showdown with Brisbane.

“It’ll probably spark a bit of crowd noise, but it just adds to the fuel for the rivalry.

“In games like this, you separate yourself from what’s been said in the past.

“We probably haven’t gone at it for quite some time now, to be really honest with you. That patch where we did have a good two- or three-year span, I was tagging him for quite some time.”

For the past 15 years, only competition points had been at stake between the two sides.

Now, a preliminary final beckons.

The Lions seek retribution for their Geelong humbling, while the Suns aim to mark their maiden finals foray with a deep September run after their one-point triumph over Fremantle.

Suns legend Gary Ablett jr said with a laugh that he was “not going to add” to the notion that the Miller-Zorko rivalry could rear again, but he warned the most composed outfit would emerge victorious.

“Touk’s a competitor, and so is Zorko – they’re the type of guys you want on your team. They want to win,” Ablett jr said.

“I’m a big believer it doesn’t matter what game you’re playing in – whether it be regular season games or finals – you need to be preparing the same way.

“That’s always the challenge, making sure the players are preparing the way they normally would … and then when you get into the game, you’ve got to stay composed.

“You’ve got to be able to play instinctive footy and read the game.”

A hamstring injury kept Miller sidelined when the Suns last faced the Lions – a 66-point Gold Coast demolition masterminded by Matt Rowell (37 disposals, 15 clearances).

But Miller is ready to rise again on Saturday. While the Suns have won just eight of 29 QClashes, he has averaged 21.12 disposals, 4.82 clearances and 5.24 tackles from 17 games, while kicking seven goals.

“Rivalries probably always bring out the best in most people,” he said.

“I’ve been here for long enough to learn that every time we get a chance to have a go at them, I’m always going to try my best to get us the win.”

The midfield battle could well decide this contest, where rookie Levi Ashcroft has been tipped to join brother Will Ashcroft, Josh Dunkley and Hugh McCluggage in filling the void left by Lachie Neale’s season-ending calf injury.

“It’s a massive void, but we’re confident in our youth,” Dunkley said.

“Levi Ashcroft plays on the wing, I’ve talked about him being really selfless and one of the guys who will put his hand up this week to take that role.

“Whoever fills the void will do a good job.”

In doing so, they will need nullify Suns duo Rowell and Noah Anderson, who Ablett jr believes headline a flag-winning roster.

“They’re fantastic players, and play off each other’s games so well,” he said.

“That’s a really big part of becoming a great team, knowing your teammates’ strengths and weakness, and being able to make decisions off the back of that.”

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