Anna Harrington, AAP
Determined to claim more AFL premierships, Brisbane Lions dynamo Cam Rayner has opted against testing free agency and re-signed with the reigning premiers until 2031.
Rayner, the 2017 No.1 draft pick, was set to be the most in-demand free agent in next year’s crop.
He has instead signed on at Brisbane for an additional six years, determined to add to the 2024 breakthrough flag.
“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.
“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.”
Rayner’s big deal is just reward for an impressive 2024 season where he kicked 31 goals, splitting his time between midfield and attack with aplomb, and stepped up when needed in finals.
A key highlight was the preliminary final against Geelong, when Rayner turned the game on its head in the second half to lead the Lions to victory.
“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,” football boss Danny 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 re-committed to the club.”
Victorian Rayner is the latest key Lion to ignore attention from elsewhere in favour of staying at Brisbane.
Hugh McCluggage, Harris Andrews, Jarrod Berry and Charlie Cameron all signed long-term deals with the Lions this year.
It is a stark contrast to 2013, when Brisbane were rocked by the departure of the quintet dubbed the ‘Go Home Five’, with Sam Docherty, Elliot Yeo, Billy Longer, Jared Polec and Patrick Karnezis all leaving.
The Lions are now set to turn their focus to securing premiership guns Brandon Starcevich, Callum Ah Chee, Kai Lohmann and Logan Morris, among others who are out of contract at the end of 2025.
