Zorko fined for eye-swipe as Lions advance to grand final against Geelong

Brisbane Lions veteran Dayne Zorko has been fined by the AFL for ripping off Mason Cox's protective goggles during the clubs' preliminary final, the league said Sunday. Zorko accepted a reduced penalty of $3,125 after entering an early guilty plea, down from $5,000. The sanction keeps him eligible to play in the Lions' third straight grand final against Geelong at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

During the first quarter, after Zorko had given away a free kick to Cox, who kicked the opening goal, Zorko intentionally grabbed Cox's league-approved eyewear, tearing at the goggles used to protect his retinas. Players from both sides rushed in as the moment unfolded. Cox, who has dealt with eye issues in his career, was not seriously hurt and finished the match. Channel 7 commentator Brian Taylor described the moment: 'Zorko tried to take the glasses off'.

Footy fans erupted on social media, with some calling for a suspension. '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.

Separately, Hawthorn have until Monday to decide whether to challenge Mabior Chol's three-match ban for rough conduct stemming from a tackle that left Geelong's Tom Stewart concussed and ruled out of the grand final.

Brisbane will meet Geelong in the grand final at the MCG, a matchup that pits the defending premiers against a Lions side seeking a third straight premiership. The AFL's handling of the eye-swipe incident and the Chol ban underscores the league's focus on on-field conduct and player safety as finals action intensifies.