Recruited as Gold Coast's first ever player via the Queensland zone selection concessions in 2008, Dixon came to the club as a rugged marking forward who could ruck a bit.
He kicked their first goal in the AFL against Carlton in 2011 and spent most of his time that year in the forward line.
But after a good bake from the coaching staff at the end of his debut season, Dixon got himself trimmer and fitter and eventually found himself a home in the middle late last year.
Since then, the results have been outstanding.
He has shared time in the middle and the forward 50 with Zac Smith as a dual ruck combination, and had a breakout game last weekend against the Giants.
It continued a fine start to the season that has seen Dixon average 16 disposals and 11 hit-outs per contest to go along with 11 goals.
He is a competitive beast by nature and said getting his hands dirty in the centre square was having an impact on his all-around game.
The evidence was clear against the Giants when he grabbed a career-high nine marks, including four contested and six in the forward 50.
"I think the ruck's really helped me because it's got me up and around the ball and I've been able to stay in the contest, whereas up forward I can get a bit stagnant and go cold and not be able to impact the contest so much," Dixon said.
His six-goal bag was both a career-best and club record, and came three weeks after his previous best return of three against the Swans in Sydney.
The 22-year-old said his gradual progression was due to simply knuckling down 18 months ago.
He had stripped a number of kilograms and got himself in shape.
"Just doing all the little things, just getting my body right, eating properly and keeping my weight down and trying to compete and help the team out," Dixon said.
"At the end of 2011 all the coaches cracked me and I decided I needed to work a lot harder than I was.
"I trained hard, tried to get a good pre-season and do everything I can to get my body right and put my name up for selection.
"I'm able to move a lot better, cover the ground better and be able to run out a full game."
Michael Whiting covers Gold Coast news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting
