Cameron Rayner’s coach says the top draft prospect will lift his endurance in three pre-seasons

CAMERON Rayner’s coach believes the explosive goalkicker’s fitness will improve so much that AFL gameplans will be built around him. PLUS — WHO IS SYDNEY MEETING?

CAMERON Rayner’s coach says the explosive goalkicker’s fitness will improve so much that one day AFL gameplans will be built around him.

But Rayner’s hopes of playing with close mate and Western Jets teammate Lachlan Fogarty at Brisbane Lions next year have taken a blow.

The Herald Sun understands Sydney coach John Longmire will interview Fogarty at his Williamstown home on Tuesday with the Swans a chance to pounce at No. 14.

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The Swans are seemingly hunting a small forward and will also visit Jack Higgins.

Rayner ran a sluggish 7min 57sec 2km time trial on Friday and the Lions on Monday interviewed Andrew Brayshaw at his Sandringham house as the race to go No. 1 heats up.

A recruiter on Monday said it would be “brave” to take Rayner at No. 1 after watching his time trial when the biggest question mark was over his run.

But Penleigh Essendon and Grammar School coach Clay Illman was confident Rayner would become the game-changing midfielder the Lions crave.

Cameron Rayner has been likened to Dustin Martin.

“Brisbane said they want a midfielder and he’s going to be your midfielder,” Illman said.

“After three years of pre-seasons no one will be worried about his endurance.

“It’ll be a Dustin Martin set-up — they’ll be building gameplans around this kid. That’s how good he is.”

Lions recruiter Stephen Conole conceded Rayner’s endurance was “an issue, no doubt” but said it should improve in an AFL system.
“It’s obviously not at the level of Patrick Dangerfield, but he needs to close the gap somewhat,” Conole said.

If the Lions pass on Rayner he could fall to Carlton (No. 3) or North Melbourne (No. 4).

He would be a dream result for the Kangaroos after their $10.5 million offer for Martin this year failed.

The Blues remain undecided at picks three and 10. Rivals believe they are warming to Paddy Dow at No.3.

The 184cm midfielder’s burst from stoppages would complement inside bull Patrick Cripps.

But with Carlton lacking offensive weapons it would be tough to overlook Rayner.

Lachlan Fogarty is on Sydney’s radar. Picture: Ian Currie

Rayner, 18, joined PEGS on a footy scholarship in 2016 and captained the school team this year.

“We watched him play for his local club (Hillside) in the under-16 grand final and got best-on and then the next week he played in the under-18 grand final and got best-on again,” Illman said.

“He basically did what he wanted to do. We thought straight away we’ve got to have this kid.

“I went and met his family and his mum and dad are lovely people. He’s that type of kid — charismatic, friendly, loving and everything he touches basically turns to gold.”

The Lions are deciding between Rayner and Brayshaw, who is a model citizen and plays in the mould of Tigers captain Trent Cotchin.

The Lions have considered pairing Rayner with Fogarty at pick 15 or 18 to help the boys settle.

But Sydney would scupper that plan if it takes Fogarty at 14.

The 179cm small forward fits Richmond’s premiership mould.

Fogarty recorded strong pressure numbers while averaging 9.7 tackles and 145 SuperCoach points in this year’s TAC Cup.

Last year Longmire jetted into town to meet Oliver Florent in draft week before Sydney took him with its first selection.