Cam Rayner and Lions Recruitment Manager joined Dom and Josie, filling in for Mike Whiting this week, on a bumper episode of The Roar Deal.

Rayner spoke candidly of the attention he’s received publicly this year and how he’s handled it.

The 19-year-old said 2019 has been an interesting season with the change of positions on field and most recently losing six kilograms.

The young forward also revealed the negative commentary at the start of the year did not rub off on him.

“Everyone’s entitled to their opinion but with all due respect I don’t really care,” he said.

“As long as my teammates are happy and my coaches are happy, that’s all that matters.”

Rayner has been in strong form since the mid-season break. In Sunday afternoon’s win over the Western Bulldogs he had an equal season high of 18 pressure acts.

Pressure acts can include anything from a spoil, contest, tackle, hip and push.

“I’ve probably played more forward this year than last year and trying to add different things to my game,” he said.

“Probably pressure hasn’t been one of my best things,” he said.

Another noticeable improvement is how light he feels on his feet, after he shed six kilograms.

“Growing up you always have a natural ability but this year a little bit more you understand you’ve got to do little things to keep on top of it, otherwise people are going to catch you pretty quickly,” he said.

After consulting with the Club’s dietician Pip Taylor, he changed his portion sizes, timings of meals and tried new food and has felt his running improve.

The Lions will be aiming for their eighth straight victory on Saturday afternoon for QClash18 and Rayner said the belief started within the group in Round 1, when they defeated the reigning premiers.

“Your confidence starts from there,” he said.

“Personally, we think we can beat anyone on our day.”