But it really shouldn’t have come as that much of a surprise.
At the time of his recruitment, Zorko was already an established star of the State League competition, having won four consecutive Broadbeach best and fairest awards, captained Queensland on a number of occasions, and receiving countless other individual honours in the QAFL.
He has since made an immediate impact since joining the Lions, averaging 19.6 disposals (ranked 6th at the Club), 6.4 tackles (2nd) and one goal (=6th) from his 16 senior matches this seasons.
The 23 year-old’s outstanding first-year performance forced the Club to re-evaluate the criteria surrounding its Rookie of the Year award.
While the award had been previously based on the AFL’s Rising Star - meaning only players aged under 21 with less than 10 games’ experience were eligible - the Match Committee sought Board approval to change the criteria and eliminate the age restriction.
As a result, the 23 year-old was a deserving - and popular - winner of the 2012 Rookie of the Year award.
Upon being presented the award at last Friday’s Club Champion event, Zorko said he couldn’t be happier that his opportunity finally came with the Lions.
“I’d really like to thank the Brisbane Lions for giving me a chance to play AFL football,” Zorko said.
“(To win this award) is the greatest thrill and I’m so proud to be here.”
“The playing group is more than I could’ve ever asked for. It’s so good coming to the Club every Monday….Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.”
“Bring on 2013!”
Zorko also finished equal 7th in the Merrett-Murray Medal voting despite missing the first six matches of the season with a hip injury. In fact, his average of 1.56 votes per game was second only to eventual Runner-Up Daniel Rich (who averaged 1.6 votes).
He was also recognised by his peers across the entire competition by finishing second behind GWS forward Jeremy Cameron in the AFL Players’ Association Best First Year Player Award, and was named for the first time in the 2012 Queensland Team of the Year.
