EMERGING Brisbane Lions midfielder Bradd Dalziell says 2000 Melbourne Brownlow Medallist Shane Woewodin was a key figure in helping him break into the AFL system.

Dalziell, who won 185 disposals at an average of 26.42 touches per match, credited the help of the former Demon and Magpie, who is now coaching East Fremantle. The 21-year-old said the 200-game AFL player had been a huge help.

"Being coached by someone like Shane Woewodin and having people around you like that – it helped me a lot and helped me adapt to the game," Dalziell said.

"Shane and I were pretty good mates and I sat down with him at the end of last year and he told me the pathway he went into the AFL. He said it was pretty similar to the way I was going and all he said was: 'Don't give up – you're good enough to play AFL'.

"I believed that and he strongly believed that and I just had to give it a good crack and I did that. He was a good help last year, because he was a prime example of what you need to do to become an AFL footballer and he just helped me lots."

Dalziell, who like Woewodin was overlooked in a handful of drafts before gaining an opportunity, said the Lions were always the team most interested in his services.

"I had a few talking to me, towards the later stages of the draft period, but Brisbane was the one club, which kept hassling me all of the time and kept ringing up and asking how I was going," Dalziell said.

"I always thought that they were the number one club that I thought I'd go to – and there were a few [clubs] out there [interested in me] – but I'm happy I'm at Brisbane.

"I don't think you can ever be too confident in the draft, because you hear of a lot of stories where clubs have promised guys … but it hasn't happened. I wasn't really confident of getting drafted, but I was hoping someone would give me a chance."

Dalziell, who impressed considerably in the Lions' final seven matches this season after debuting in round 16 against West Coast, reflected on his journey from East Fremantle to the Lions, after being drafted at No.52 in last year's NAB AFL Draft.

"I'm really rapt the way I finished off the season. My main goal this year was to make my AFL debut and I've ticked that off the list and to continue playing good footy – there's not more I could've asked for," Dalziell told lions.com.au.

"It was a big step, coming from where I was last year to where I am now, so I just hope I can continue that next year.

"Being two or three years older than other draftees probably helped me a little bit and playing a couple of years in seniors, back in Perth, helped me a lot. Being around bigger bodies and blokes who have played AFL footy before [also helped]."

Dalziell, who had three 30-plus disposal performances in 2008, said he was delighted to receive a Rising Star nomination in round 21, after winning 32 touches against Carlton.

"It's always good to get recognition for your performances and I was thrilled with the nomination in round 21, but my main focus here is to play consistent football and I think I've done that," Dalziell said.

"I just want to keep my spot in the team and set myself for a good year next year.”