2025 free agents: Cam Rayner re-signs with Brisbane Lions, spurning Victorian interest

Several Victorian clubs were readying a huge play for Cameron Rayner before he signed with Brisbane Lions. Where could they divert that money to instead?

Brisbane Lions’ star goal kicker Cameron Rayner says he wants to become a “Lion for life” after inking a mega six-year contract extension.

The Herald Sun can reveal the brilliant forward has dismissed any prospect of a return home to Victoria as a free agent at the end of next year, signing on up north until the end of 2031.

It is a massive coup for Chris Fagan’s men as Rayner, the No. 1 draft pick from Hillside in Melbourne’s northwest, was set to become one of the most sought-after players in the competition next year.

But the talented playmaker said he couldn’t be happier in Brisbane and was determined to help keep the club in the premiership mix after its extraordinary run to the flag this year.

“I am stoked to be a part of this great football club for the future and hoping that it means I will be a Lion for life,” Rayner said.

“The club and list are in such a strong position, and I feel like if I can continue to add to that I am happy.

Cam Rayner celebrates a goal during the Grand Final. Picture Lachie Millard

“We are back at the top of the mountain where we belong, and I hope that we can stay there for as long as we can.

“I love this club from top to bottom, whether it’s the staff or players, everyone is so lovely and have made my journey so far as smooth and easy as it can be.”

The Lions were made to sweat over the future of Hugh McCluggage this year but will avoid any distraction over Rayner’s deal after inking the early signature.

It means cashed-up Victorian clubs such as Western Bulldogs, Essendon, St Kilda and North Melbourne will have to look elsewhere for top free agency targets next year.

Rayner, 25, emerged as one of the league’s most dangerous playmaking forwards as part of career-best season in 2024, booting 31 goals across 27 games.

It included an explosive two-goal second half to sink Geelong in the thrilling preliminary final win after booting three goals to help thrash Carlton in the elimination final triumph.

The Lions have lauded Rayner’s resilience in the face of question marks over his fitness levels earlier in his career and durability after a devastating 2021 knee reconstruction.

He is also one of the club’s most popular team members and an emerging leader who blossomed on a half forward flank after ditching hopes of becoming a full-time midfielder.

Fagan said the club “were partly trying to turn him into something he wasn’t” but “with a little bit of trial and error” had “found that right spot for him”.

Football manager Danny Daly said the Lions’ were thrilled to lock away the dangerous forward after losing spearhead Joe Daniher to retirement following the premiership win.

“Cam is an exceptionally talented player who has shown in his time with us how important he is on and off the field, which has been a key factor in our success,” Daly said.

“As a 25-year-old we see Cam as being a key part of the future of our football club and we know our fans will be delighted that he has recommitted to the club.”

The Lions are in talks with former Gold Coast forward Sam Day about helping replace Daniher for next season, while marking targets Lincoln McCarthy and Darcy Gardiner are also on the comeback from ACL injuries.

Cam Rayner and Lachie Neale bite their Premiership Medals. Picture: David Caird

The Lions have ensured their most important players are off limits to rivals after locking away McCluggage and Rayner (2031), gun key defender Harris Andrews (2029), and Oscar McInerney and Lachie Neale (2026).

The string of signatures will ensure the Lions remain well-placed to contend again next year as the club prepares to welcome father-son prodigy Levi Ashcroft in next month’s draft, adding to its midfield riches.

Ashcroft’s brother, Will, won the Norm Smith medal in only his second season on the back of a knee reconstruction last year.

Originally published as 2025 free agents: Cam Rayner re-signs with Brisbane Lions, spurning Victorian interest