AFL finals: Legend Simon Black declares Cam Rayner the Lions’ September secret weapon

Brisbane legend Simon Black says Cam Rayner can be the Lions’ ace in the pack in September and help lead the club to its first premiership in 20 years.

Brisbane legend Simon Black believes Cam Rayner can be the Lions’ ace in the pack in September and help lead the club to its first premiership in 20 years.

Black on Wednesday night was elevated to legend status in the club’s hall of fame alongside triple premiership teammate Jonathan Brown.

Brisbane’s all-time leading possession-winner produced one of the best grand final performances in history to help the Lions cap their premiership three-peat in 2003 with a stunning 39 disposals – 25 contested – nine tackles, nine clearances and a goal in the 50-point win over Collingwood.

As the 2023 Lions prepare for their latest premiership assault, Black is ready to anoint Rayner as the man to step up in September and spearhead the finals charge.

“He’s the one,” Black told this masthead.

“I think he’s a big-game player. You sense he loves the big stage and it’s set for him to have a big September right now.

“He’s got enough experience now. He’s been a No.1 draft pick. You sense this is the moment he’s been waiting for.”

Can Cam Rayner break a game open in September? Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images

For years the Lions struggled to find the perfect position for Rayner, who had been trialled across half-back and through the middle before settling as a medium-sized forward.

Brisbane’s glut of onballers has allowed Rayner to hone his forward craft this season, and his form entering September has been promising.

In the past three weeks against finals-calibre opposition he’s kicked four goals, averaged 14 disposals and boosted his score involvement numbers.

Since Jack Gunston went down with a knee injury in round 22, Rayner has taken on a hybrid small-tall role inside 50 and Black believes it has suited his game perfectly.

“With Gunston out now for a few weeks it allows a bit more space for Rayner to work inside that forward 50, and allows him more opportunities to mark the ball in the air and get involved at ground level a bit more,” Black said.

“His ability in the air for his size is a real strength, but he’s also very strong at ground level.

“I feel his output (this season) hasn’t been to the level it can be and this is a great opportunity in September to really make a statement and put a stamp on Brisbane’s premiership campaign.”

Simon Black was elevated to legend status in the Brisbane Lions’ Hall of Fame on Wednesday night.

Following the win over St Kilda last weekend that clinched a home qualifying final for the Lions, Rayner said the team had learned a lot from its failed finals runs and that would hold it in good stead over the next month.

“It was only three or four years ago that we had an opportunity to have finals at the Gabba and as a young team we probably didn’t capitalise on it,” he said.

“But the maturity of the group this year has gone through the roof and that’s a really big win (against St Kilda) know what was on the line … we have a great opportunity now to really attack the next couple of weeks.

“With Gunners (Gunston) out now I’ve probably played a bit taller the last few weeks and that’s probably what I’ll do going forward.

“I feel like I’m close … to taking those big marks, I dropped a couple (against St Kilda) but it’s a great forward line to work with.

“Our talls and smalls are so dynamic. In here you’re just trying to get your lick of the ice cream.”

Asked if he relished the September spotlight, Rayner grinned.

“I love playing in big games. It’s what we play footy for, it’s what everyone loves, and hopefully we can work our way into some strong form,” he said.

“Hopefully two more wins at the Gabba and then we get down to Melbourne and play in a grand final, which would be awesome.”

Originally published as AFL finals: Legend Simon Black declares Cam Rayner the Lions’ September secret weapon