Determined to stake a claim for more AFL premierships, Brisbane Lions dynamo Cam Rayner has opted out of testing free agency and re-signed with the reigning premiers until 2031.

Rayner, the No. 1 pick in the 2017 draft, was expected to be the highest-demand free agent in next year’s crop.

He instead signed in Brisbane for a further six years, determined to add to the 2024 breakthrough flag.

“I’m excited to be part of this great football club for the future and I hope it means I’ll be a Lion for life,” Rayner said.

“The club and the roster are in such a strong position, and I feel like if I can continue to add something, I’m happy.

“We are back on top of the mountain where we belong and I hope we can stay there as long as possible.

“I love this club from the ground up, from the staff to the players, everyone is so lovely and has made my journey as smooth and easy as possible.”

Rayner’s big problem is just the reward for an impressive 2024 season in which he scored 31 goals, splitting his time between midfield and attack with aplomb, and stepped up when necessary in final.

A highlight was the preliminary final against Geelong, when Rayner turned the game around in the second half to lead the Lions to victory.

“Cam is an exceptionally talented player who has shown during his time with us how important he is on and off the pitch, which has been a key factor in our success,” said football boss Danny Daly.

“As a 25-year-old player, we see Cam as a key part of the future of our football club and we know our fans will be delighted to have him re-commit to the club.”

Victorian Rayner is the latest key Lion to ignore attention from elsewhere in favor of staying in Brisbane.

Hugh McCluggage, Harris Andrews, Jarrod Berry and Charlie Cameron all signed long-term deals with the Lions this year.

It’s a stark contrast to 2013, when Brisbane was rocked by the departure of the quintet nicknamed ‘Go Home Five’, with Sam Docherty, Elliot Yeo, Billy Longer, Jared Polec and Patrick Karnezis leaving.

The Lions are now set to focus on securing premiership arms Brandon Starcevich, Callum Ah Chee, Kai Lohmann and Logan Morris, among others who are out of contract at the end of 2025.