Now half-a-season back following his ruptured ACL, Cam Rayner is a whisker away from taking games over on his own.

With Hugh McCluggage (hamstring) sidelined against the Giants, Rayner was thrown on-ball more often, attending 17 centre bounces, and cashing in with the extra opportunities.

The former No.1 draft pick had career highs in disposals (25), contested possessions (12) and clearances (six) and was also able to chip in with a goal and two goal assists.

Rayner’s power through congestion is a difference-maker for Brisbane, as is his penetrating kicking inside forward 50.

What also cannot be undersold is the 22-year-olds ability in the air. Rayner is capable of sitting on heads and is as much threat in the forward line as he is at the bounce.

He currently sits at 12.11 in front of goal and has proven more than able to be a key target, shifting to full forward and kicking three goals when Joe Daniher was subbed out of their Round 7 clash vs Sydney.

His upward trajectory is a major factor why the Lions can be better in 2022 than 2021.