Brisbane v North Melbourne: Cameron Rayner misses chance to down Roos

Tom Naghten

Brisbane v North Melbourne: Cameron Rayner misses chance to down Roos image

Number one draft pick Cameron Rayner has had a very solid debut season but he would like another chance at a shot for goal in the final minute of his side's loss to North Melbourne.

Brisbane went down by three points but it could have been very different had Rayner nailed a set shot from close range late in the game.

The 18-year-old won a free kick and opted for a snap kick, rather than a drop punt, despite the fairly minimal angle.

As it turned out, he sent the kick out to the right for a behind.

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North were able to see out the rest of the match and seal a thrilling 107-104 win.

Plenty of Rayner's teammates and coach Chris Fagan got over to the youngster after the match to console him.


 

The midfielder had already kicked two for the game, both long-range set shots that never looked like missing, but his decision to ditch the drop punt is sure to raise some eyebrows.

It was the final dramatic moment in what had been a thoroughly entertaining match up to that point.

North had maintained a slim lead for most of the afternoon, stretching it to four goals early in the final term.

Led by Dayne Zorko, Hugh McCluggage and Mitch Robinson, Brisbane fought back to give the Roos an almighty scare and almost derail their finals hopes.

For North, skipper Jack Ziebell stood up with three goals to steer his side to victory.

The win takes Brad Scott's side to ninth though they could slip one spot if Sydney overcome Collingwood at the SCG on Saturday night.

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.