Scans have confirmed that Brisbane Lions young gun Cam Rayner suffered an ACL injury in last night's AAMI Community Series clash against the Suns.
The former Pick 1 had to be helped off the ground halfway through the second quarter after landing awkwardly while attempting to smother a handball.
Cam Rayner has been helped off the field after this incident. #AAMISeries pic.twitter.com/17GOeapuJI
— AFL (@AFL) March 8, 2021
The 21-year old was reduced to tears on the ground before trainers walked him down to the changerooms.
The Lions confirmed in a statement on Tuesday afternoon that Rayner would be sidelined for the entire 2021 season.
“It is terrible news for Cam and really disappointing for the team,” Brisbane GM of Football Danny Daly told lions.com.au.
“He will see a surgeon in the coming weeks and we will then lay out the next steps from there.
“Our thoughts are with Cam and we will wrap our arms around him and continue to support him as he gets on with his recovery.”
Rayner has played 63 AFL games for Brisbane since making his debut in 2018.
He has missed just two games over his three seasons in the league and was primed for a bigger role in the midfield in 2021 after having a terrific pre-season.
Lions coach Chris Fagan told reporters post-match it would be a character building experience for the youngster and was confident he would find a way to impact the club off field.
"It will build his character though. I know he’ll still continue to lead around our footy club, he’ll try and find a way to make the most pf this opportunity," Fagan said.
"A bit of a sad night in that regard."
