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"As powerful as Dusty": The vital Lion earning superstar comparisons
SEN • August 25th, 2025 2:47 pm
Just how good is Brisbane’s wildcard Cam Rayner?
The utility forward played out an exceptional game against Hawthorn on Sunday night, collecting 22 disposals, seven score involvements and two goals in the top-four defining clash at the Gabba.
Beyond his overall game tallies, the 25-year-old put on a show in the final term, managing 11 touches, five marks and a goal in the fourth quarter to down the Hawks and lock in the double chance ahead of September.
The former No.1 pick is as explosive as it gets, powering through the midfield in an advanced role alongside emerging star Zac Bailey, proving crucial in the Lions’ 2024 premiership triumph.
At 25, there remains plenty of room for growth, and following a career-best numerical season, Lions legend Alastair Lynch likened the star to a modern-day champion.
“Cam Rayner is as powerful as Dusty (Martin) was at his pomp,” Lynch told SEN Tassie Breakfast.
“He’s not playing at that level, obviously. But he has bursts of games where he gets the ball and just flicks off players. They struggle to tackle him – you need two or three people to bring him down.
“He is enormous for this team – his five or 10-minute bursts have been pivotal in recent weeks to getting Brisbane over the line. He is powerful!”
Looking back on the 2017 AFL Draft class, Rayner was selected by Brisbane with the first overall pick, a selection that initially appeared to be somewhat of a miss.
Receiving just four Rising Star votes in his debut season, Rayner’s first three seasons were relatively underwhelming, averaging less than 10 touches a game before rupturing his ACL prior to the 2021 season.
Proving that progress is hardly linear, Rayner has only missed one game (with suspension) since his return in 2022, coming into his own and looking every bit the star he was touted to be.
Comparing Rayner to his fellow draftees alongside SEN Tassie Breakfast co-host Brent Costelloe, there are very few that Lynch would take over the premiership player.
Costelloe: “Andrew Brayshaw?”
Lynch: “Nah.”
Costelloe: “Paddy Dow?”
Lynch: “No.”
Costelloe: “Luke Davies-Uniacke?”
Lynch: “No.”
Costelloe: “Adam Cerra?”
Lynch: “No.”
Costelloe: “Jaidyn Stephenson’s obviously retired. Hunter Clark, Nick Coffield you wouldn’t.
“Aaron Naughton?”
Lynch: “That’s a good one – probably, the opportunity to get a tall athletic forward… that’s a close one.”
Other notable draftees in 2017 include Brisbane teammate Zac Bailey, Adelaide’s Darcy Fogarty, Ed Richards, Jack Higgins, Oscar Allen, Tim Kelly, Sam Taylor, Tom De Koning, Bailey Fritsch, Dylan Moore, Lloyd Meek and Tristan Xerri.
“(He plays a) slightly different role to Dusty, but as powerful,” Lynch continued.
“If he can sustain those good periods for a bit longer in games, he may get to those ridiculous heights that we saw Dusty hit.”
