Brisbane coach Chris Fagan is hopeful the Lions can use a devastating setback to young forward Cam Rayner as inspiration in their 2021 AFL season.
Key points:
- Brisbane Lions’ forward — and former number one draft pick — Cam Rayner is likely to miss the entire 2021 season with a knee injury
- Rayner becomes the latest player to be injured in the single round of pre-season matches ahead of round one starting March 18
- In more positive news for the Lions, star recruit Joe Daniher came through a 28-point win over Gold Coast unscathed and kicked three goals for Brisbane
Rayner suffered what is feared to be a suspected season-ending ACL injury in the second quarter of Monday’s 28-point pre-season win over Gold Coast.
The 21-year-old collapsed in agony on the Carrara stadium turf after landing awkwardly on his right knee, and will undergo scans later on Tuesday.
While gutted for the 2017 number one draft pick, Fagan is optimistic both player and club will take a positive approach to the disappointment.
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“It will build his character … I know he’ll still continue to lead around our footy club,” Fagan said.
“He’ll try and find a way to make the most of this opportunity.
“They’ll (teammates) be super disappointed for him, there’s no doubt about that, but in another way they’ll probably be inspired to rise to another level, hopefully.
“He is a good man, a very popular teammate. I know he’ll be trying to find a way to influence the group.”
Rayner’s knee problem concluded a difficult condensed pre-season, with one round of games played over five days.
Collingwood’s Steele Sidebottom left the field early in the first quarter on Friday against Richmond with a calf injury.
The first Western Derby of the year also had a big injury count, with Michael Walters (hamstring), Rory Lobb (knee) and Zac Langdon (concussion) all having issues in West Coast’s win over Fremantle on Sunday.
In Rayner’s absence, the Lions overturned a 23-point half-time deficit to run over the Suns, scoring seven goals to none in the third term.
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Key recruit Joe Daniher warmed up for the Lions’ round one clash against Sydney with three goals while captain Dayne Zorko and Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale were important in the second-half comeback.
Teenage schoolboy Harry Sharp also turned heads. The 18-year-old champion runner came into the midfield to replace Rayner and picked up 10 disposals, two clearances and a goal in an impressive display.
“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.
“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.”
The season starts with Richmond v Carlton on March 18, and the Lions’ first chance to earn competition points will come against the Sydney Swans on March 20.
AAP/ABC
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