SOPHIE GANNON: Cameron Rayner’s theatrics highlight Brisbane Lions are lacking confidence in AFL finals

I was chips in on the Brisbane Lions defending their premiership this year. That was right up until the moment I saw Cam Rayner throw himself to the floor theatrically after being pushed in the back to win a free kick not once but twice.

Something doesn’t seem quite right about the Lions at the moment; they don’t look like the powerhouse side that roared their way to a flag last year.

Now this isn’t purely about the 38-point qualifying final loss to Geelong, it runs deeper than that. Their small cracks are now appearing more like gaping holes.

I believe Rayner’s decision to play for the two free kicks in the manner he did reveals more about the Lions mentality. The confident, powerful Lions of last year would never have resorted to this. They didn’t need to.

Flag contenders don’t milk frees in desperation. They impose themselves with maturity, strength, and conviction.

To make matters worse, their midfield heartbeat is gone.

With midfield star and dual-Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale now joining forward Eric Hipwood in the Lion’s long list of injuries, Brisbane suddenly look vulnerable.

Co-captain Neale’s absence is enormous. Not just his contested ball work, but his on-field leadership.

Neale’s voice, presence and ability to win clearances under pressure is irreplaceable.

Not only are injuries impacting the Lions, but some veterans are also badly out of form.

Charlie Cameron, once considered the side’s spark, has had a less than impressive season kicking only 27 goals (his lowest since 2018) and Friday night was no exception.

The 31-year-old recorded just two disposals and one goal from 78 per cent game time, his lowest in his 251 games.

Even his body language on Friday night was questioned by commentators Kane Cornes and Dermot Brereton stating it was “poor” and “non-competitive”.

In the forward half it is clear that they are lacking a focal point. I think we all were waiting to see how the Lions would cope with the loss of Joe Daniher when push came to shove in crunch time finals.

So far, the signs are ominous.

The Lions mid-forward connection Friday night was frankly a disaster. Six marks inside 50 for the game will be setting off alarm bells in the Brisbane coach’s box.

It looks as if reinforcements are on the way for season 2026 but that won’t help them Saturday night and I’m starting to believe there’s an ambush coming.

I see a team that’s concerned, and I believe they are vulnerable to a shocking straight sets exit to their bitter rivals in the Gold Coast Suns on Saturday night.

It’s simple. Brisbane’s young guns must now step up and lead this team to preliminary final weekend.

Lions coach Chris Fagan has been bullish about his younger brigade of Will and Levi Ashcroft, Logan Morris, Jaspa Fletcher, Kai Lohmann and Darcy Wilmot.

If the Suns target McCluggage and Rayner as the Cats did then it’s up to these talented youngsters to cause the damage.

But I’m sure questions about finals form are being raised, after some less than impressive performances from the youngsters on Friday night.

Logan Morris needs to show us some of the form he has displayed in breathtaking performances earlier this year, especially after only touching the footy six times in 83 per cent game time on Friday.

Kai Lohmann must prove last year wasn’t a one-hit wonder and show us he can be a livewire and a creator inside 50 when it matters most.

Will Ashcroft played well on Friday, racking in 30 disposals and 19 kicks, but will need to not only accumulate disposals but turn those into his scores.

Brother Levi, who faces his first finals series, must re-enact his round eight performance against the Suns with 29 disposals, seven marks and 19 kicks. Through savvy draft selections and the fortune of father-son talent, the Lions have young stars that can pull this team through the difficult situation they find themselves in.