Cam Rayner played his second season in the AFL in 2019 and it was certainly one that tested the 20-year-old’s resilience.

It’s common in the AFL for players to suffer from second-year blues, and 2019 was certainly a challenge for the former number one draft pick. However, Rayner’s attitude always remained positive and professional.

Despite the external pressure, Rayner demonstrated a tenacious attack on the football and willingness to perform the one-percenters for the good of the team on a regular basis. 

This team-first mentality shone through on several occasions during 2019. Perhaps the most fitting and memorable example of this was Rayner’s ground-shaking hip and shoulder on the Bulldogs Jason Johannisen in Round 20 at The Gabba. Having run 20 metres to lay the bump and do his bit for the team is just one example of Rayner’s commitment in 2019.

Not only did the 20-year-old exhibit a team-first attitude, he was also committed to self-improvement, having lost 6kg during the season to improve his fitness.

Rayner’s standout game for the 2019 season came in Round 21 against the SUNS, where he booted an equal career-high three goals. He would go on to boot 20 for the season. Rayner also laid eight tackles in Brisbane’s clash with the Tigers in Round 23 at the MCG. 

Rayner will remain in the Den until at least the end of 2021.