“Best season by miles”: Zorko praises “unreal” Rayner amid best six-week patch of his career

Brisbane veteran Dayne Zorko has been incredibly impressed by his teammate Cam Rayner’s form in recent weeks.

The 24-year-old has enjoyed what Zorko described as the best six-week patch of his career and it was topped off by a three-goal, 22-disposal performance in Sunday’s 85-point win over St Kilda.

Over that six-week patch, Rayner has averaged 16.66 disposals and 2.33 goals a game and he’s had 20 or more touches in each of his last three appearances.

Zorko credited Rayner for his hot form and described the former No.1 pick as a culture driver with his spike coinciding with a nine-game win streak that’s lifted the Lions to outright second on the ladder.

“Oh, it's his best season by miles and probably the best six-week patch he’s had in his career,” Zorko said on SENQ Breakfast.

“He's such a match-winner, his ability to break lines and break tackles is awesome, and his form has been unreal.

“He's a massive driver of our culture as well with the energy that he brings in and around the club.

“We're starting to see that on the field now as well with the way he plays, he's got confidence in his body.

“His last six weeks, as I've said, have been fantastic and he's been a massive influence on our results over that time and that journey.”

Zorko is also loving the efforts of Brisbane’s younger brigade who are growing in confidence as the season progresses.

He named six youngsters who he felt stepped up in crucial moments on Sunday after giving the side energy while helping improve the outfit’s overall performance.

“I think the most pleasing thing for me was the fact that Darcy Wilmot, Jaspa Fletcher, Kai Lohmann, Logan Morris, Shadeau Brain, Henry Smith - these are all guys that have played just a handful of games – but they just stood up in the most crucial moments, especially in the first quarter,” Zorko said.

“Some of Kai and Logan Morris' efforts were just unbelievable. For them to get that confidence off a game like that and all of them get plenty of the football and have a big impact on the game, I think it will just do their confidence the world of good.

“I mentioned after the game that a massive drive to our success is our young kids coming through and the energy they bring.

“When they start stringing performances like that together, we're such a better side.”

The Lions will hope to make it 10 in a row when they face the Giants at the Gabba on Saturday afternoon.