While most first-year players generally start feeling the pinch from their debut AFL campaign during the latter stages of the season, Lions livewire Dayne Zorko is showing no signs of slowing down.

Zorko has averaged close to 18 disposals and seven tackles per game over the past month, and has also contributed five goals.

The Broadbeach recruit told Melbourne radio station SEN this week that a delayed start to the season due to a hip injury has been the main reason behind keeping relatively fresh.

“Personally I’m feeling pretty good. I missed the first 6-7 games, so I’ve probably only had a 13-14 game season as opposed to some of the other kids who have played 20-21 already,” Zorko said.

“I had a pretty slow start to the season. Coming into the side against Collingwood (Round 7) was very challenging.”

“Fortunately I was able to string a few games together which gave me a lot of confidence.”

Watch Dayne Zorko's challenge against Tom Rockliff

The 23 year-old Queenslander also said that a number of his fellow inexperienced team-mates were coping well with the rigours of senior football.

“The young boys are going about it pretty well,” Zorko said.

“They’re taking their time and doing everything right to get themselves up each week. I don’t think it’s been too much of an issue at our Club.”

“It’s also a credit to our football staff who have lightened the training load in recent weeks.”

Zorko is one five AFL debutants at the Lions this season - along with Jack Crisp, Elliot Yeo, Stephen Wrigley and Billy Longer.

Read more about some of the Brisbane Lions' 'Young Guns'