Mitch Robinson admits to ‘bad blood’ between Brisbane Lions, Melbourne Demons, addresses Dayne Zorko-Harrison Petty sledging drama
Recently-retired Lion Mitch Robinson has admitted to there being “a bit of bad blood” between Brisbane and Melbourne as the two heavyweights prepare to lock horns this weekend.
The Lions and Demons have been involved in a number of feisty clashes over the last 12 months, with Brisbane sending the then-reigning premiers packing in last year’s finals series.
Robinson played the role of chief antagonist for much of his 247-game AFL career before retiring at the end of last season, and explained why there’s animosity between the two sides.
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”There’s just been a bit of bad blood … for about three or four years we’ve been going back and forth,” Robinson said on SENQ Mornings.
“On field, results don’t really matter, it was just the way we both went about our footy. They won a grand final, they’ve been up there and have beaten us in final — that’s kind of been our thing against them.
“They’ve always had that kind of — not smugness or anything like that — but you can just tell they think they’re better than us.
“So, this week is a big game for the Brisbane Lions, but we got the last laugh in the finals last year against them.
“Hopefully they come up here and bring some animosity and we have a great game.”
One of the most contentious incidents in the Melbourne-Brisbane rivalry came at the back end of last season when a sledge from then-Lions skipper Dayne Zorko left Demons defender Harrison Petty in tears on the field.
Robinson suggested that the sledging had not been all one way from his teammate.
“That was heavily publicised what went on there — Zorko apologised and he may have overstepped the mark,” he said.
“For players and being able to give your side of the story, sometimes you just have to bite your tongue and do what’s good for your sponsors and good for the image.
“Zorko could have come out straight away and said: ‘Look, these guys were into me all day speaking about my relationships, my family or whatever’, but he didn’t do that, he took the high road and said: ‘Look I apologised for what I said’, and we got on with it.
“He didn’t want to add more fuel to the fire.”
The two sides will reacquaint themselves at the Gabba on Friday night, with Brisbane looking to open its account for 2023 after a disappointing round one loss.
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