Brisbane Lions dynamo Dayne Zorko might be counting down the days until the start of the 2013 AFL Premiership Season, but patience remains one of his greatest virtues.

The 23 year-old Queenslander had to wait four years before finally getting his first crack in the AFL, so another couple months of pre-season training should be of little concern.

Zorko’s persistence more than paid off after producing a stunning debut season which saw him play 16 senior matches and claim the Lions’ Rookie of the Year award.

“You always have your doubts about whether or not you’re ever going to get picked up, but I had a fairly sold pre-season the year before I got drafted, and I think that helped put me in good stead,” Zorko told 5aa radio in Adelaide.

“It helped me run out games, and that got noticed in the State game against WA. I guess it all turned around after that.”

“I was very excited that Brisbane picked me up, and now I’m determined to repay their faith.”

Zorko’s diligent preparation during his final pre-season with Broadbeach has since been amplified after spending more than 12 months in the AFL system.

“I’ve always thought I was pretty quick, but for a while there a lot of people doubted my speed and whether I had a good enough engine,” Zorko said.

“They’re probably the two things I really worked on before getting to the Club.”

“Plus, going through all the strength programs at the Lions, you’re naturally going to develop more speed. I seem to have responded to them really well, which has helped me a lot.”