3 minute read

The Brisbane Lions have strung together eight consecutive wins to shoot back into premiership contention, and Cam Rayner has played a key role in their rise.

Former No.1 draft pick Cam Rayner has credited greater clarity in his role and the club's "smash the rock" mantra for helping propel him to career-best form.

Rayner has played a crucial role in the Brisbane Lions' eight-match winning run, regularly kicking goals in attack while also providing plenty of impact when sent to the middle.

The licence from coach Chris Fagan to attend more stoppages has helped give Rayner greater confidence and freedom.

The past three games have been particularly special, with Rayner averaging 20 disposals and two goals across that stretch.

It's represented the best block of football in Rayner's 132-game career since being taken with pick No.1 in the 2017 national draft.

"It's been good having a lot of clarity with the role," Rayner told reporters on Tuesday.

"Me and Fages have spoken about it with (Cameron) Bruce,, who's our midfield coach, just trying to find different ways that I can impact the game that suit my game, which have been working well.

"Just being able to have a balance between (midfield and attack) and seeing where I feel like I can impact the game at the different stages.

"And just getting myself around the ball and getting myself into those positions where I can have my impact.

"My strengths are different to other people's strengths in the team.

"And if we can find a way to play a game that works for all of us, I feel like that's how we can play our best footy."

Brisbane will be aiming to make it nine wins on the trot when they face St Kilda at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.

The rosy outlook is in stark contrast to the mood during the bye, when the Lions were struggling with a 4-6-1 record.

"I didn't doubt we could turn it around," Rayner said.

"We'd been playing some really good footy. Personally and as a team, we just weren't really converting.

"That was the one thing at the halfway point that we weren't getting done.

"We have a pound the rock mantra at the footy club, and I feel like that's what the season's been (like) this year.

"You've just got to keep smashing at it, keep smashing at it and eventually it will turn."

Sunday's match will mark the 200-game milestone of Lions defender Ryan Lester.

"He's one of the most loved players at the club," Rayner said.

"What he's done for us and all the young boys that have come through - you can't put into words.

"He's one of the most humble and caring people. Every single person who came through here as an 18-year-old would have spent time at his house and with him."