So it’s no surprise that he considers last Sunday’s victory against ladder-leaders West Coast at the Gabba as one of the best wins he has been involved in throughout his nine seasons at the elite level.
“It’s probably the best win I can remember being part of,” Raines told lions.com.au.
“We had some good wins early in 2010, but it’s been pretty lean since then. So to beat the top side when we weren’t given much of a chance was fantastic - I haven’t been on the end of too many of those.”
Like the rest of his team-mates, Raines way visibly elated as the Lions belted out the Club song with gusto after the match.
“Browny was talking it up as we went down to the kick room,” Raines said.
“He said ‘Nice and loud boys!’ And when the big skip says sing it loud, you do it.”
Raines played a key tagging role in the victory, limiting West Coast’s prime midfield instigator Daniel Kerr to just 19 disposals.
Even though taggers can sometimes generate negative media attention and often don’t get the recognition they deserve, Raines has embraced the role and is pleased to provide a senior head among the Lions’ young midfield group.
“It’s always a great challenge and I really enjoy it. It might not come with the accolades, but my role is certainly recognised within the Club as an important one, and that’s all that matters to me,” he said.
“I also enjoy being somewhat of a leader among the young midfield group. With Blacky out last weekend, I think I was almost the oldest guy in there.”
“I’ll just keep trying to setting the scene for these younger blokes in my actions and communication out on the field.”
