Cam Rayner arrived at the Brisbane Lions in 2018, the No.1 pick in the 2017 draft. Dustin Martin had just come off one of the most dominant seasons anyone had ever seen. Every club was looking for the next explosive midfielder who could also tear a game apart up forward, and Rayner was the most likely young prospect. It was a heavy burden to carry.

Since then, Rayner has occasionally delighted, but more often teased and frustrated Lions fans. He’s played 118 games, mostly as a high half-forward in a powerful Lions attack. He didn’t have the tank to play midfield. A brief trial at half-back early last year was quickly abandoned. He was ineffectual in last year’s grand final defeat.

Cam Rayner starred in the midfield against Melbourne.Credit: Getty Images

But Rayner has improved his endurance, and has spent more time on ball so far this year. He was good against Collingwood a fortnight ago, but his game against Melbourne on Thursday was his long-awaited breakout as a midfielder. Rayner was a weapon, with 18 possessions, seven clearances and two goal assists in the first half alone. Game over.

He faded a little after half-time, suggesting he’s still a fraction below being able to run out a full game. But Rayner’s 25 total possessions were notable for their efficiency (80 per cent) and where he won them. Ten inside-50s and seven score involvements tells the story. He was no slouch when he didn’t have the ball either, laying tackles and smothers.

The Lions midfield is led by Lachie Neale’s brilliant roving, with Josh Dunkley giving them a better defensive balance. Losing Will Ashcroft to a long-term knee injury has hurt them creatively. But for years, the Lions have longed for a big-bodied burst player to compete with the likes of Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver. Rayner destroyed both on Thursday night.

Christian Petracca lays a tackle on Dayne Zorko.Credit: Getty

Spare a thought for Petracca and Oliver. Both were far below their best, with 38 possessions and just three clearances combined for the match. But the Dees were playing their third game in just 13 days, after backing up a narrow win over Port Adelaide on March 30 with a 15-point victory over the Crows on April 4 for Gather Round. Both games were Adelaide Oval.