If there was any lingering doubt about his lofty status as a Maroon grown legend, Dayne Zorko cemented his position as one of the All Time greats of Queensland footy in 2021.

The skipper claimed his fifth Merrett-Murray medal as Club champion for an inspiring season which ranked statistically alongside the best of his 10-year career.

Since taking over the captaincy, the born and bred Queenslander has led the Lions to three consecutive top four finishes at the end of the home and away season, a record that is second only to premiership skipper Michael Voss among Lions captains.

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Best of 2021: Dayne Zorko

Dayne Zorko had another great season for his team as he received his 5th Merrett"Murray Medal.

His 550 disposals for the season were a career best as were the 23 goal assists, which ranked five across the entire competition.

He was just as effective without the footy, ranking in the top 6 in the AFL for tackles and pressure acts.

His 35 possession, two goal masterclass against GWS in Rd 11 would rank among the finer individual performances of his career, however it was his ability to spark his side when they needed a lift that was the most impressive feature of his year.

After a loss to Melbourne in Rd 12, Zorko was the architect behind the thrashing of powerhouse Geelong in the Lions next outing.

And again, after a disappointing loss to Hawthorn in Launceston in Rd 20, it was the skipper who inspired the three-game winning streak that secured the Club a tip four finish.

He was best on ground against Fremantle and backed it up with starring performances against Collingwood and West Coast.  

At 32, Zorko is showing no signs of slowing down and remains one of the premier players in the AFL.

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2021 Merrett Murray Medal: Dayne Zorko

For the fifth time, Dayne Zorko has taken out the Merrett-Murray Medal. Hear what the skipper had to say after being presented on Sunday night.

Standout Performance: Zorks Turns Back the Clock in Perth

In one of his most dominant performances of the season, our Skipper turned back the clock against Fremantle in Round 21.

Putting on an absolute clinic, racking up 34 disposals, Zorko was the vital cog driving the Lions to their 64-point victory.

A staple of his game since being drafted, Zorks laid 10 tackles and kicked a goal to add icing to the cake. 

Honourable mentions include his 35 disposal, 2 goal masterclass against GWS in Round 11 as well as his 34 disposal, 9 mark display against the Suns in Round 9.

Season Averages

Disposals - 24.1 (Above-Average)

Kicks - 16.8 (Elite)

Marks - 5.3 (Elite)

Tackles - 6.1 (Elite)

Total Clearances - 4.5 (Above-Average)