IF GOOD things come to those who wait, new Brisbane Lion Dayne Zorko is in for one hell of a ride.

He may just be 22, but like recent AFL success stories James Podsiadly, Michael Barlow, Paul Puopolo and Nick Duigan, Zorko has successfully plied his trade in a state-based competition before getting his chance.

In fact, between the National Draft, Pre-Season Draft and Rookie Draft, the former Broadbeach Cat has been passed over 12 times in the past four years.

But after being taken as a Queensland priority selection by Gold Coast, the Suns traded Zorko to the Lions on Monday so his AFL dream could come true.

"I guess the hard work has finally paid off," Zorko said.

"I'm really excited and thankful to the Lions for giving me an opportunity. I couldn't be happier. It's something I've always dreamed of and now that dream has come true."

Zorko was on holidays in Bali when he got the good news and returned to Australia on Wednesday.

The 175cm, 76kg midfielder/forward has dominated in the AFLQ, then NEAFL, in recent seasons, but took his game to another level in 2011.

He won the Syd Guildford Trophy as the NEAFL player of the year, the Zane Taylor Medal for best afield in Queensland's six-point loss against Western Australia, and his fourth straight best and fairest for Broadbeach.

Zorko was full of praise for the Cats, saying head coach Matt Angus and fitness coach Gary Fox played a huge role in his elevation.

"Gary took us at the start of November and just carried us," Zorko said. "He was amazing. I've never had a fitness coach like him and I give a lot of credit to him, he was exceptional.

"I could just get to a lot more contests, I could move and go a lot harder for a lot longer instead of previously, where I haven't been able to. That's been the biggest change."

Lions' National Talent Manager Rob Kerr said Zorko had always had the talent, but his dedication and commitment had gone to another level in the past 12 months.

Kerr said his four-goal performance in the state game against Western Australia was a glowing example of what influence Zorko could have on a match.

"I would go so far as to say that his effort in that state game was one of the most competitive performances I have seen from a player this year," Kerr told Lions.com.au.

"He refused to accept defeat and very nearly dragged his team over the line.

"From then on, the recruiting team added him to our watch list and he impressed so much that he finished the season ranked inside our top 30 in our order of merit.

"While other clubs may disagree, I doubt they watched the NEAFL as closely as we did. Dayne was firmly cemented in our minds as a potential small defensive forward and midfielder who can kick goals and give us the option of releasing Todd Banfield up the ground more often."

The Surfers Paradise junior admitted to thinking on occasions his AFL chance may have passed.

"There's always those days, absolutely," he said.

"After the state game, people told me something might happen and there was some hope there. There were a few days where I thought it wouldn't happen but I'm so grateful it has."

Zorko - who is likely to move from the Gold Coast to Brisbane during pre-season - said he was happy to play wherever he was asked.

Michael Whiting covers Brisbane Lions news for afl.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @mike_whiting