IN THE midst of a brilliant individual season, Brisbane Lion Dayne Zorko feels he's getting closer to the 'elite' player bracket.

It's hard to argue. 

Zorko has won the past two best and fairests at the Lions, but has taken his game to a whole new level in 2017. 

Playing primarily as a midfielder, the pocket dynamo is averaging 26 disposals, has kicked 24 goals and trails only Rory Sloane in tackles and Zach Merrett in total metres gained across the competition. 

All in a team that has won just three matches. 

But the Lions' deputy vice-captain says it's the younger players bringing the best out in him.

"As you start to play more games and you're in the system for a little bit longer, you kind of know what you're able to perform or bring out every week," Zorko said. 

"All the leaders have been exceptional this year, the way we've performed, and it's more those younger kids now that bring all that energy along. 

"As a senior player you still look for that energy but you thrive off what the young kids bring. 

"I think that's kind of really helped my game this year, the young kids are bringing lots of energy – (Jarrod) Berry, (Hugh) McCluggage, Rhys Mathieson. It kind of makes my job a lot easier.

"I know what I bring to the party every week and it's kind of helped my form." 

Zorko said although he felt he wasn't quite in the elite bracket, he was getting close. 

"To slowly chip away at it, I think that's great," he said.

"I've still got plenty of growth areas - my game's not perfect by any means. 

"I'm still striving to get that perfect game, as we are as a team. Hopefully that can come sooner rather than later." 

The next chance for that to happen is on Sunday against Richmond at the MCG.

Zorko said despite the Lions sitting last on the ladder, he was never more sure they were on the way up. 

"A lot of teams we've versed this year have mentioned to us after the game, 'hang in there, you guys are on the right direction'," he said. 

"I think that also gives us a lot of confidence as well. We haven't really heard that in previous years. 

"The fact that teams around the competition are recognising that as well gives not only the older guys but the young kids a lot of hope going forward."