Diet switch works a treat for rising star
CAMERON Rayner would get home from training and be tempted by a packet of chips or a chocolate bar.
That was until the Brisbane Lions No.1 draft pick started picking the brains of 2001 No.1 draft pick Luke Hodge.
“He’s corrected a few things that I haven’t been doing in the past,” Rayner said yesterday.
“Like diet and recovery – snacks in between meals and that type of thing. You get home from training and you might have a packet of chips or a little bit of chocolate, whereas (you should) switch it to a yoghurt or something like that.
“Even though they are little adjustments, they make a big difference.”
The adjustments appear to be working. Last night Rayner received the Round 15 Rising Star, delivering the Lions five of the past 34 nominees.
Rayner, 18, booted 2.1 from 19 disposals and laid five tackles in Sunday’s upset win against Fremantle at Perth Stadium.
The tackle count was important, with Lions coach Chris Fagan pushing Rayner to build his forward-half pressure game.
Champion Data says Rayner has recorded strong pressure ratings in four out of his past six matches.
“That (pressure) is what I work on and that’s what I want to be known for,” Rayner said.
“We’ve gone through the pressure players in the competition and where (Fagan) wants me to get to.
“I’m still a little bit off where I should be, but I’m gradually growing and getting there. We check that pretty frequently to see where I’m sitting.”