Every sign indicated that Harris Andrews would take over the Brisbane Lions captaincy in Saturday’s AFL clash with Gold Coast at the Gabba.
Skipper Dayne Zorko was in doubt with a hamstring complaint.
And the Lions appeared to reveal their hand when they assigned Brisbane deputy Andrews to give the match eve press conference.
Indeed Andrews was so convinced he would get the nod, the gun defender asked Zorko for tips on his pre-match captain’s address.
It’s fair to say Andrews wasn’t pleased with the response.
“I was asking Zorks earlier in the week how to go about it (captain’s speech) but he said ‘Don’t worry about the palm cards’,” Andrews laughed.
“I got stitched up. Zorks is right to go.
“I will keep my role (as vice-captain) and wait for that day to come.”
Still, there were no hard feelings.
“It’s good to have him out there. He is such a barometer for us as a footy team,” Andrews said.
Yet Andrews won’t be the only one surprised by Zorko’s inclusion.
The third-placed Lions’ clash with dead last Suns appeared to be an ideal chance to rest the inspirational skipper ahead of a tough run home against top four-ranked Geelong and Richmond before their first finals campaign in 10 years.
But Andrews reckoned it would not be a risk.
“Zorks knows his body pretty well. He has been around the traps for a while and he’s ready to go,” he said.
“And if Zorks is feeling good and fitness staff are happy then you have to back them in – he will be fine.”
Besides, Andrews reckoned it would be hard to keep Gold Coast-bred Zorko from running out against the Suns.
“He spent a lot of time on the Gold Coast growing up. I think he was overlooked for a few drafts by the Suns – he talks about it all the time,” Andrews revealed.
“So he does look forward to these games.”
The Lions have won eight from nine home games this year and a big victory against the Suns may ensure Brisbane finishes the weekend on top of the ladder.
The Suns have lost a club record 15 straight.
But Andrews said complacency wouldn’t be an issue.
“It doesn’t matter how either team is going form-wise … the Gold Coast bring their best game for the derby,” he said.