Brisbane Lions powerful utility Cam Rayner is set to play his 100th AFL match when he runs onto The Gabba on Friday.
The number one draft pick from 2017 will play his milestone game in front of a home crowd against the Sydney Swans.
Rayner, who is just the 37th number one pick to play 100 games, said he was grateful to the Club for giving him the opportunity and wants to enjoy the moment.
“It is an achievement you have to sit back and enjoy but yeah it is pretty good,” he said.
“I’ve been up here (in Brisbane) since I was 18 years old and the Club has done so much for me and put trust in me ever since I arrived here.
“It is awesome to play 100 games for Brisbane and I look forward to celebrating it with family, friends and everyone who has helped me get there.”
Rayner’s brother Lockie, who is signed on the Lions VFL list, said he is beyond proud of his brother’s achievements, as are the rest of his family.
The two brothers share a extremely strong bond on and off the training track.
“He’s done so well to get where he is, he has dealt with so many different challenges but he has made us all so proud,” Lockie said.
“Being up in Brisbane this year and seeing how hard he works to become the player he is credit to him.
“He has made us all really proud and we can’t wait to see him run out on Friday and play well.”
Drafted from the Western Jets, Rayner was touted as a player with an X-factor who was as good overhead as was at ground level and capable of breaking games open with his size and skill.
Rayner then debuted in Round 1, 2018 against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium kicking his first goal early in third term.
Except for a major knee injury which saw Rayner miss the entire 2021 season, it’s been smooth sailing for the 23-year-old from suburban Hillside in Melbourne.
Lions fans have been treated to these attributes on a number of occasions throughout his 100 matches.
Most notably his goal on the run from inside the centre square against Richmond in a Qualifying Final at the Gabba in 2020.
Two goals against Sydney on Friday night would give Rayner 96 goals in his first 100 games.
Twice Rayner has kicked four goals, once, earlier this season against Collingwood on Easter Thursday in a match winning performance.
The other occasion was against St Kilda in Round 22 last year with three of those majors coming in the last quarter.
And despite his year off Rayner will reach 100 games at 23 years 231 days.
Only four number one picks reached the same mark before their 23rd birthday – Bryce Gibbs, Brett Deledio, Josh Fraser and Adam Cooney.
