Latest news with #ZacBailey
News.com.au
15-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Cam Rayner and Zac Bailey keen for Lions to return to winning ways to ensure memorable 150-game milestones
With last weekend's 'wake-up call' fresh in their minds, Brisbane Lions milestone men Cam Rayner and Zac Bailey don't want their 150th AFL appearances spoiled by another lacklustre performance on Sunday at the Gabba against Melbourne. The first-placed Lions were held to a 71-71 draw by competition battlers North Melbourne in Hobart, with Rayner admitting Brisbane was 'lucky' not to lose. 'I just felt like we were just a little bit of a step off with our reaction time and things that we really pride ourselves on,' the Lions star said. 'We probably could have been playing a lot better, and it's probably a good wake-up call for us just to get back to what we know really works – that's our hunt and that's our mindset, to come out and really attack teams. 'We get a really good chance to do that again on Sunday.' Bailey said despite Brisbane's lofty position, the Lions still had plenty of improvement in them. 'We haven't really been playing at our best,' the Darwin product said. 'The way we're moving the ball at times is probably suiting the opposition. We kicked back to them (North Melbourne) a lot. 'We didn't really change the angles and test out their defence at all, and that's our game, just being able to change angles with uncontested marks. 'That's something we'll try to change this week.' It's fitting that Bailey and Rayner, both 25, will reach 150 AFL appearances in the same game, having both been picked up by the Lions in the 2017 national draft and gone through the lows and the highs that culminated with last year's premiership win. 'It's great. We came into the league together, and he's been one of my good mates at the club since then,' Bailey said of his bond with Rayner. 'We started at the bottom and been on the journey together, so to play 150 (games) together against Melbourne is really good.' Rayner echoed Bailey's sentiments. 'It's something we're always going to remember, especially for both our families as well,' Rayner said. 'Coming up here at the same time, I feel like throughout our careers we both probably had a little bit of a different journey, but to match up on the same day that we get to play 150 (AFL) games, it's pretty cool.' While Bailey was the 15th selection in the 2017 draft, Rayner had the added pressure of being the first pick. 'It's probably built me into the player that I am,' he said. 'It's something that, at the time, you probably don't understand how much it's going to take a toll on your career as you get older. 'It's always something that someone brings up or speaks about, even though when you're out there, it doesn't really matter what pick you've gone. 'It's just made me focus on it a little bit more and really tap into that side of it because if you don't, it can chew up in you.'
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Roos defy ladder position to force a draw with Brisbane
Cellar dwellers North Melbourne have given AFL premiers Brisbane an almighty run, the sides playing out a thrilling draw. Despite being at opposite ends of the table, the clubs couldn't be split in the 10.11 (71) to 10.11 (71) result in Hobart on Sunday night. The lead changed hands multiple times in the final 10 minutes. The Kangaroos had the better of the opportunities to steal the win at the death, but couldn't land the killer blow. 17th v 1st turned out to be an absolute thriller!Enjoy the last two minutes of #AFLNorthLions, thanks to OMO Australia. — AFL (@AFL) May 11, 2025 Kangaroos forward Cameron Zurhaar had a tough shot from the boundary with his side down by one point with about 80 seconds left, but he managed just a behind. The Kangaroos then had a run inside 50 in the final minute, before Lions defender Jack Payne spoiled a potential mark. North, who hadn't beaten Brisbane in their previous seven clashes, hit the lead with 10 minutes to play when Jacob Konstanty slotted a goal off a free kick. Brisbane got themselves back in front though Zac Bailey after North were pinged for kicking in danger. The scores were then levelled at 70-70 when Cameron Raynor slotted a set shot with about five minutes on the clock. The visitors had their noses ahead when Eric Hipwood hit a behind with three minutes left, before Zurhaar returned the favour at the other end. The Kangaroos were down 20-40 at halftime and it appeared Brisbane would pull away. But North fought back to reduce the deficit to 51-42 at the start of the final quarter. Both sides left points out on the park, missing gettable shots throughout the contest. Raynor and Hipwood both kicked three goals for Brisbane for the game, while Zurhaar and Jack Darling both bagged two for the Kangaroos. Brisbane's Jarrod Berry was subbed out in the first quarter with concussion after a heavy collision with North Melbourne's Luke McDonald off the ball. In what appeared an ominous sign, the Lions booted the first goal of the match after just 25 seconds through Levi Ashcroft. But North Melbourne held their own and could have potentially taken the lead into the first break if not for some loose shots in front of goal.
