DAYNE Zorko says he's never been better prepared to lead the Brisbane Lions following the announcement Dayne Beams would step down from the role indefinitely.

Zorko will captain against Sydney on Saturday and says his leadership has improved "significantly" since the beginning of 2017, citing the Leading Teams program and the Lions' acquisition of Luke Hodge as major reasons.

'IT'S BEEN BLOODY DIFFICULT' Beams steps aside as Brisbane captain

"I feel like I've certainly changed the way I look at things," Zorko said following a light training run at the Gabba on Friday morning.

"I've been able to listen a lot more which I think is a really good leadership quality.

"I don't think much changes too much on the field, just play as hard as I always do, bring the boys along as much as I can."

Zorko says former Hawthorn champion Hodge has taught him to listen to teammates, gather information and make decisions from there.

"I took over the captain role last year when both Dayne and Tom (Rockliff) went down, but I feel this time around I've certainly developed my leadership," Zorko said.

"I feel a lot more confident and equipped with where my game's at and my leadership abilities."

Zorko said he was proud of his "lifelong" friend Beams for stepping up to say he wasn't in the right headspace to captain.

The two Daynes went to the same primary school on the Gold Coast, played in junior teams together and spent time with each other's families as they grew up.

Coach Chris Fagan described Beams' decision as selfless.

"He was always of the understanding that if at some point in time it was going to help his recovery from the events of the last three or four months, he only had to come and say the word," Fagan said.

"I can't wait for the day when he walks into my office and says 'I think I'm ready to go again, coach'."

Fagan said Zorko would bring enthusiasm and a love of the game to the extra responsibility.
"He's got plenty of experience working with leadership groups, and to be honest he's shouldered a bit of the responsibility in the first half of the year as 'Beamsy' has tried to recover from the event of the summer.

"He's ready to step up and I think the transition will be really smooth."