Touk Miller has been handed a one-match suspension by the AFL for making contact with the groin region of Brisbane Lions veteran Dayne Zorko.
After originally only being handed a fine by the AFL Match Review panel, a subsequent AFL investigation after Zorko commented publicly has seen the ban given to Miller.
No two players clash more than Brisbane's Dayne Zorko and Gold Coast captain Touk Miller.
The rivalry between the two Queensland AFL outfits hasn't always been competitive, but the fierce battle between Zorko and Miller has been a mainstay.
QClash 25, which resulted in a shock win to Gold Coast, was another episode in the fierce midfielders' feud, with the former Brisbane captain adding more fuel to the fire on Monday.
MORE: Lance Franklin retires after 18 AFL seasons
Gold Coast unhappy after Touk Miller suspended for Dayne Zorko groin grab
Miller will miss Gold Coast's game against Adelaide after being banned for one match for making contact with the groin of Zorko.
Despite the AFL Match Review Panel determining the vision was inconclusive, the AFL started their own investigation after public comments from Zorko.
After interviewing both parties and reviewing the vision, the AFL determined that Miller was guilty of conduct unbecoming in the manner he caused pain and discomfort to Zorko.
Miller has accepted the suspension but Gold Coast made it clear they weren't happy with the decision.
"We accept the AFL’s decision but as a club we are extremely disappointed in the outcome," Suns general manager Wayne Campbell said.
"Touk is the captain of our football club and has built a reputation as a fair and strong leader who is admired by the entire AFL community.
"He is one of the most highly respected players in the competition and it’s disappointing his integrity and character has been tarnished during this process."
In the same statement, Miller said he had no intention of hurting Zorko but apologised.
"It was not my intention to harm Dayne and if that has occurred from my actions I would like to apologise to him," Miller said.
Touk Miller tackle makes contact with groin of Dayne Zorko
During the third quarter, Miller made a vicious tackle on Zorko, with the Suns co-captain appearing to grip the Brisbane player's groin region.
The contact caused a furious reaction from Zorko, who suggested moments later that Miller had purposely gone for his groin.
Over an umpire's mic, the 34-year-old could be heard saying "He just f****** grabbed my nuts!"
These two do NOT like each other ❌
— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) July 29, 2023
There was so venom in that from Zorko and Miller 💥
📺 Watch #AFLSunsLions LIVE on ch. 504 or stream on Kayo: https://t.co/hgWKZaYHry
✍️ BLOG https://t.co/mAyKeQ6xvi
🔢 MATCH CENTRE https://t.co/Ae5SIyNr94 pic.twitter.com/ORvqorbRHF
MORE: AFL Coleman Medal leaderboard 2023
Dayne Zorko unhappy with AFL sanction for Miller tackle
Miller wasn't offered any sanction for the incident but was handed a $1500 fine for engaging in a melee later in the match.
The lack of punishment didn't sit well with Zorko, who took to SENQ Breakfast to air his thoughts on the matter.
“It’s interesting, you’re allowed to grab the groin region now and squeeze it and do whatever you want to it,” Zorko said on Monday.
“So that’s an interesting rule that’s been cleared by the AFL.
“It’s quite interesting that [he] got off. We had really good evidence to support the case.
“I tell you what, my groin region is quite bruised at the moment. It’s funny how that all happens.”
When asked if the AFL had offered any punishment to the Suns midfielder, Zorko replied, "Clearly not, it must have been an accident."
“It’s an accident when they get up and smile and laugh about it, isn’t it?" he added.
MORE: AFL investigates Aliir Aliir and Lachie Jones head clash
Dayne Zorko vs Touk Miller: QClash's biggest feud
It's not hard to see why the two footballers clash so often.
Miller has been a constant thorn in Brisbane's side, winning the Marcus Ashcroft Medal for best on ground in the QClash on four occasions.
Zorko, on the other hand, had contributed to the Lions' nine consecutive wins over Gold Coast prior to Saturday's loss.
In 2017, the Lions star had refused to shake hands with Miller, before the two came together for a tense post-game interaction in 2018.
There is no love lost between Touk Miller and Dayne Zorko. 👀 pic.twitter.com/VFsgXyYD4I
— 7AFL (@7AFL) August 18, 2018
The on-field rivalry has led to a war of words, too, with the Suns star addressing the incident on Triple M back in 2018.
"When the siren goes, you say it's weapons down and (it's) mutual respect," Miller had said following the post-game tensions.
“I guess it was heat of the moment for him. I’m not going to say it was the best thing, what he did.
“But in saying that, I still respect him as a player… It was probably an outburst of emotions.”
The bitter feud has continued in recent QClashes, with Miller and Zorko often involved in heavy tackles and constant back-and-forths, before finally boiling-over again this season.
