Cam Rayner was one of the stars of Brisbane's September run last season, including a three-goal BOG performance against Port in the qualifying final. Like the rest of the side his output has been patchy at best in 2024, going past 15 touches only twice in his seven games so far and not getting to double figures last week after an early knock. With Zac Bailey out of the side, Rayner's output as an inside mid rotating through half forward is even more important to the side's structure, and his form has to turn around for his club and, incidentally, his fantasy owners.
Cam Rayner was one of the stars of Brisbane's September run last season, including a three-goal BOG performance against Port in the qualifying final. Like the rest of the side his output has been patchy at best in 2024, going past 15 touches only twice in his seven games so far and not getting to double figures last week after an early knock. With Zac Bailey out of the side, Rayner's output as an inside mid rotating through half forward is even more important to the side's structure, and his form has to turn around for his club and, incidentally, his fantasy owners.
Little Rayner sunshine
The number one selection in the 2017 national draft, Cameron Rayner struggled to announce himself to the football world in his second season. The explosive half forward suffered declines in disposal, mark, goal and tackle outputs. Rayner kicked multiple goals on six occasions, but over half his games resulted in single figure disposal totals. Rayner has provided little evidence to suggest he has any fantasy relevance. Struggling to build his tank through much of his first two seasons, the Lion may prove best suited to a third tall forward role, rarely venturing outside the forward half. With talent to burn, he presents as a watchlist candidate.
Spotlight shines on Rayner
Being the #1 draft pick puts a certain amount of attention on a young player, and for Cameron Rayner had more than he could deal with when he had the game on his boot twice and fluffed it both times, missing a goal on the siren to level the scores in the first Q Clash and screwing wide from a set shot 25m out in the pocket against North. He posted two fantasy tons starting off a HFF, but also 13 scores under 60. Rayner showed glimpses of the poise and decision-making that earned him all the praise in his junior years. There wasn't usually a lot of time for him to show it playing for the lowly Lions in 2018, and that situation may not improve a lot this season either. He's a finisher who will look like a million dollars in a good side, and Brisbane aren't anywhere near that yet. Look elsewhere for the time being.
Cam Rayner has, like his Brisbane teammate Hugh McCluggage, been used in the early part of his career on a half-forward flank despite a stellar junior career spent much more at the coalface of inside midfield. This has tended to limit both of their fantasy outputs, but last week against North Rayner posted his first fantasy ton in standard scoring formats, and his delivery inside 50 was at times exquisite. He looms as a very promising asset in keeper draft leagues, though his short-term relevance in salary cap competitions is still low.
Lil Rayner makes it rain
The comparisons that Cameron Rayner draws speak of a special player: Dustin Martin and Robbie Gray are the two that get bandied about most, and like them in their younger days he can tend to drift in and out of games as his endurance needs some work. His totals at junior levels are nonetheless impressive: 20 touches with well over half contested, four clearances, 4.5 inside 50s and a goal or two per game. For a player who is clearly destined for midfield, Rayner spent a lot of time forward at junior level as his tank just wasn't up to full games in the middle. That he was still able to accumulate those sort of numbers tells you how much of a ball magnet he is. However, Brisbane used Hugh McCluggage off a HFF in his first listed year under similar circumstances and that is probably Rayner's fate, which limits his fantasy value below draftable level.
