Cam Rayner finds form after he was put on notice by Brisbane coach Chris Fagan

Cam Rayner knows how close he came to getting the chop but his performance against the Saints was timely with competition for spots at the Lions getting hotter.

Cam Rayner celebrates with Lions fans after Brisbane’s win over St Kilda. Picture: Getty Images

Brisbane coach Chris Fagan has admitted the axe was poised over No.1 draft pick Cam Rayner before he produced his best game of the season against St Kilda.

Fagan has fiercely protected his young forward against questions of his form throughout this season.

But Fagan admitted after Rayner played a creative role in Brisbane’s 56-point win over the Saints, that behind closed doors he had been put on notice.

The undefeated Lions’ NEAFL side recorded a massive 128-point win against Sydney University on Saturday and with only two players now on the injury list at the club, competition is hot for positions.

Rayner has been unable to find a lot of the footy in his second year in the AFL but won a reprieve from his coach with a defensive role on Hawk James Sicily in Round 11.

A disappointing day against Carlton had him back in the firing line before a return to form at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.

Rayner played second fiddle to the Charlie Cameron show in front of goals but his work further up the ground was pivotal in many attacking forays.

Cam Rayner wraps up Luke Dunstan in a tackle. Picture: Getty Images

“It was his best game for a while, he looked like he had plenty of energy,’’ Fagan said.

“He was close to the axe, he knows it.

“But he responded and that is the sort of character he is, it is not easy playing as a small forward but I thought he stepped up and probably didn’t take all his chances but I loved his work.’’

Regular senior player Zac Bailey produced a dominant performance in his return from a hamstring injury in the NEAFL and will soon be ready for an AFL recall.

High profile recruit Marcus Adams played his first game for the club in the NEAFL while emerging star Jarrod Berry will play next week.

Fagan said Brandon Starcevich was another who had now reached full fitness in the twos and was demanding a recall.

“We have a lot of boys who are in good form and are putting pressure on the guys in the senior team,’’ he said.

“It is a good position to be in, that you can’t take your spot for granted.’’