Brisbane Lions forward Cameron Rayner suffers horror injury blow

The Brisbane Lions have confirmed Cameron Rayner is expected to miss the remainder of the 2021 season in a “terrible” injury blow.

Cameron Rayner of the Lions.

Brisbane Lions star Cameron Rayner is expected to miss the remainder of the 2021 season after the club confirmed he suffered a ruptured ACL during Monday evening’s Community Series game against the Gold Coast Suns.

Rayner fell to the turf clutching his right knee after attempting a tackle in the second quarter of the pre-season contest at Metricon Stadium.

The 21-year-old was spotted in tears after trainers helped him off the field, and later filmed consoling devastated Brisbane coach Chris Fagan.

Following scans on Tuesday, the Lions revealed Rayner would not likely make an appearance in the AFL this year.

Watch every match of the 2021 AAMI Community Series LIVE on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

General Manager of Football Danny Daly said in a statement: “It is terrible news for Cam and really disappointing for the team.”

“He will see a surgeon in the coming weeks and we will then lay out the next steps from there.

“Our thoughts are with Cam and we will wrap our arms around him and continue to support him as he gets on with his recovery.”

Cam Rayner of the Lions.

Rayner shared his disappointment on social media, posting to Instagram on Tuesday: “Thank to everyone for the support!

“Obviously extremely devastated but optimistic with what’s to come. I appreciate all the love I have received and so lucky to have so many special people around me.

“I’ll be back. 6-7 months is a long time in the footy world.”

Rayner was the No. 1 pick at the 2017 Draft, and has played 63 games for the Lions since making his AFL debut in 2018.

Despite the nightmare injury setback, Fagan was adamant Rayner would still be involved with the club this season.

“It’s a real tragedy for Cam. He’s worked so hard this pre-season, he got to start playing in the midfield and really picked up his fitness,” Fagan told Fox Footy after the 28-point victory.

“One thing I know about him is he’ll be a great bloke around the footy club and he won’t be a sad sack about it. It’s just one of those things in footy that happens and he’ll bounce back from it.”

The Lions also currently have Dan McStay and Darcy Gardiner in the casualty ward recovering from knee injuries.

Cam Rayner of the Lions leaves the field injured.

Despite trailing by 23 points at half-time, Brisbane dominated the second half to cruise towards an 18.9 (117) to 13.11 (89) victory.

Lions forward Charlie Cameron booted four goals in the game, with new recruit Joe Daniher contributing three majors.

Rayner was replaced in the midfield by teenage prodigy Harry Sharp, who mustered 10 disposals, two clearances and a goal during an impressive performance.

“His running ability really came to the forefront, but also I thought he played with a lot of courage and attacked the footy,” Fagan said of Sharp.

“It was a pleasant surprise to see him do so well I must say.

“The plan was to give him a quarter at the end of the game, but he ended up coming on for Cam so he got a bit more time than he bargained for.”

Meanwhile, Gold Coast’s Alex Sexton kicked a game-high six goals and three behinds in a losing effort.

Originally published as Brisbane Lions forward Cameron Rayner suffers horror injury blow