Cam Rayner's coming of age: Brisbane Lions star ready to prove Chris Fagan correct

Tom Naghten

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Cam Rayner's coming of age: Brisbane Lions star ready to prove Chris Fagan correct image

I’m sure Cam Rayner, in his career at this footy club, will make up for that one, over and over again.

Those were the words of Brisbane coach Chris Fagan after a then-18-year-old Rayner missed a chance to win the game in the final minute of their round 20, 2018 clash with North Melbourne.

While Rayner, as the reigning number one draft pick, was in just his first year in the AFL, and Fagan just his second as a senior coach, those words have rung truer with each passing season.

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On Saturday, Brisbane will face Sydney in the grand final at the MCG, the Lions’ second straight appearance in the decider, while the Swans were there in 2022.

Both teams will have redemption on their mind, knowing all too well the bitter taste of defeat.

Rayner will be one of several Lions desperate to avoid a repeat of last year’s performance which saw them go down to the Pies in a nail-biter - the 2023 prelim and grand finals were among his worst games for the season.

If Brisbane are to win on Saturday, expect Rayner to play a pivotal role.

Now 24, Rayner has enjoyed a career-best season, earning selection in the 40-man All Australian squad for the first time.

While some number one picks are able to have a sustained impact at senior level immediately, Harley Reid, Matt Rowell and Sam Walsh to name a few, others, like Rayner, are a slower burn.

In 2024, the Victorian has averaged 15 disposals and better than a goal a game to put his name among the best impact players in the competition.

Never a prolific ball-winner or goalkicker, Rayner’s influence on a game is less "death by a thousand cuts" and more death by one hammer blow, just ask Geelong.

With less than two minutes on the clock, the Lions had just taken back the lead in Saturday’s edge-of-your-seat preliminary final when the ball fell to Rayner in the centre square.

On his non-preferred left side, Rayner drilled a goal from beyond 50 to all but seal another grand final berth for Brisbane

Rayner finished the game with two goals from 18 disposals in an ominous warning to Sydney.

When Brisbane claimed a hard-fought two-point victory over the Swans back in round 19, Rayner was among the most damaging players, again booting two goals from 20 touches.

Sydney coach John Longmire has plenty of Lions to worry about this week, but he’d be wise to pay extra consideration to his Rayner matchup.

Lockdown small Harry Cunningham will almost certainly take the dangerous Charlie Cameron, Tom McCartin is likely to get the job on Joe Daniher, but Rayner’s direct opponent is less clear, with 29-game youngster Matt Roberts perhaps the one to get the nod.

Rayner has proved throughout this year that he’s not someone opposition teams can take lightly, the issue for Sydney, however, is neither are Lachie Neale, Dayne Zorko, Hugh McCluggage and Will Ashcroft, among many others.

Will Brisbane’s strength in depth give Rayner the space to hurt the Swans and exorcise the demons from last year or will it be the minor premiers who hand the Lions a second straight defeat on the biggest stage of all?

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Tom Naghten

Tom Naghten Photo

Tom Naghten is a senior editor at The Sporting News Australia where he's been part of the team since 2017. He predominantly covers boxing and MMA. In his spare time, he likes to watch Robbie Ahmat's goal against the Kangaroos at the SCG in 2000.