Brisbane star Cam Rayner has relished his pre-season transfer to defence, however his versatility has him prepared slot into any function when the Lions begin their 2023 AFL marketing campaign subsequent Saturday in opposition to Port Adelaide.
With the Lions have boosted their ahead and midfield shares within the low season with the addition of Jack Gunston, Josh Dunkley and Will Ashcroft, 23-year-old Rayner has been used with nice impact on Brisbane’s half-back line.
It isn’t a very new place for the primary 2017 draft choose, with Rayner having frolicked there throughout his junior days,
However, he has been glad for the refresher course within the function as he provides to his credentials and utility worth.
“I’ve really enjoyed working with Harris (Andrews) and the boys in defence,” Rayner mentioned.
“It adds to what I can do to help the team, and ‘Fages’ (coach Chris Fagan) wants players to be able to play in as many positions as possible.”
Rayner is keen to find if he’ll begin in defence in opposition to Port at Adelaide Oval, however has been unable to get a solution from Fagan, who has stored his choice playing cards near his chest.
However, such is the Lions’ depth this season that Rayner can be proud of a spot wherever in Brisbane’s prime 22.
“It’ll be evident how many options we have when you see the boys who miss selection for round one,” he mentioned.
“Teams win games but squads win premierships.”
Rayner tipped the temper to alter at coaching with the season lastly set to reach after a prolonged and spectacular preparation that included trial match wins over reigning premiers Geelong and final season’s overwhelmed grand finalists, the Sydney Swans.
“We’ve worked really hard at our new facility at Springfield, which is excellent, but it’s a bit hotter out there than it is in Brisbane, so it’s been tough,” he mentioned.
“We’re ready for the season. We know the expectations are high, and we want to make sure that we don’t waste our chance to have a good run at the premiership.”
Rayner predicted a tricky encounter in opposition to Port.
“They’ll be a good test for us. They’re a good side and they’re always hard to beat, especially at Adelaide Oval,” he mentioned.
Meanwhile, the Gold Coast Suns additionally begin their season subsequent Saturday, with an evening conflict in opposition to the Swans on the newly named Heritage Bank Stadium at Carrara,
Originally revealed as Lions star Cam Rayner’s versatility set to show essential to Brisbane’s premiership hopes
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
