Cameron Rayner is the Round 15 AFL Rising Star nominee!
Rayner, 18, kicked two goals and gathered 19 possessions (11 contested) in the Brisbane Lions’ 55-point win against Fremantle at Optus Stadium on Sunday.
The first selection in the 2017 AFL Draft, the young midfielder signed a two-year contract extension before he made his debut in Round 1 and has since held his spot in the team playing every game this season.
Rayner has performed consistently for the Lions and showcased his pace, strength and agility as an explosive midfielder who can also use his strong hands in the air and has dangerous goal sense to drift forward.
Recruited from the Western Jets in Melbourne, Rayner played his junior football at the Hillside Sharks Junior Football Club where he won six best and fairest awards.
In 2017, he stood out as a prospective number one draft selection after starring in the AFL Academy’s
At the AFL Under-18 Championships Rayner starred for Vic Metro, averaging 18.5 disposals and three goals a game. His efforts were rewarded by being named in the Under-18 All-Australian team.
Rayner is the second Lion to be nominated this season following Alex Witherden in Round 9.
Following each round of the Home and Away season, a panel of judges selects a NAB AFL Rising Star nominee. At the completion of the season, one of these nominees will be chosen as the 2018 AFL Rising Star.
