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I did a bit of a Cam Rayner watch last night and here are my main thoughts. With 16 disposals, 8 contested possessions, and 5 clearances I think he did really well inside. The main issue I found (and only counting the first half since injuries gassed everyone) is that he just stops and jogs on defence when the ball is lost. If it’s not within 5-10 metres he was a bit too casual when some defensive running would have been really desired.

I’m hugely in favour of him getting midfield minutes but this is probably the biggest problem he faces right now and I’d say the big reason why he doesn’t find the ball as much either. There’s plenty of ball to have down back after an intercept but those opportunities aren’t there when he only gets it on the attack. Not sure if it’s his tank or not but I’d love for him to put in those efforts even if it cuts his time in the midfield by half.

Also it won’t happen especially with the injuries but I’d say it would be really good to learn this specifically in the reserves. Having a couple games with full midfield minutes and some expected defensive running would probably be really beneficial. A lower pressure environment and all just to really work through it.