Delisted #45: Johnny Rayner

[Ashton Agar]

Definitely retain him next year. Seeing as he doesn't take up a list spot it's a no-brainer.

 

[Mercuri Rising]

Can Cat B rookies be upgraded due to LTIs?

 

[eth-dog]

Can Cat B rookies be upgraded due to LTIs?

Yes. In essence he's a "bonus" rookie.

I like him. Fast, great aerobic capacity and not afraid to get his hands dirty. Skills need a bit of work plus needs to put on some weight.

 

[TheFrenchCut]

Do people think he'd ideally be capable of an Isaac Smith type role?

 

[eth-dog]

Do people think he'd ideally be capable of an Isaac Smith type role?

No. His kicking is nowhere near as good and plays more inside than Smith (not very difficult, mind). I'm struggling to think of a comparison, actually

 

[TheFrenchCut]

No. His kicking is nowhere near as good and plays more inside than Smith (not very difficult, mind). I'm struggling to think of a comparison, actually

I haven't seen much the 2s this year, but I do remember thinking he had a very high grip on the ball and that his kicking might need work. But that was only off one or two games, so not sure if that's accurate.

 

[BPKick]

Have just seen a report, stating that he, along with Hardingham and Gregory have been delisted. Haven't seen it anywhere else though, so y'know, grain of salt

 

[BrunoV]

Gone according to the website.

It's very surprising.

 

[eth-dog]

Maybe chose athletics?

 

[Amazing Bombers]

A bit of a puzzling decision although what eth said would make sense.

 

[Beerfish]

Maybe chose athletics?

Would be good to find out what the circumstances were. I was keen to see him get a game maybe next year.

 

[VelvetSledge]

Not surprised. Wasn't going to make it at AFL level.

Plenty of speed and a great tank, but skills were a little subpar.

 

[Beerfish]

Not surprised. Wasn't going to make it at AFL level.

Plenty of speed and a great tank, but skills were a little subpar.

That's odd. I'm sure I read positive reports from the VFL crew over the season. In any event, sounds like it was the club's decision rather than Rayner's.

 

[BrunoV]

The release includes him as a player who was advised that he would not have his contract renewed.

Doesn't make it sound like it was his choice.

 

[Doss]

Well...this is odd. I thought he'd get another year.

 

[VelvetSledge]

That's odd. I'm sure I read positive reports from the VFL crew over the season. In any event, sounds like it was the club's decision rather than Rayner's.

Oh yeah absolutely, wasn't a bad player, but the skills he had were more suited for VFL over AFL. It wouldn't surprise me if the club just kind of thought that we don't have room for "project players" with all that's going on.

 

[daz17]

Surprised he is gone. Was a 0% risk.
Hope we fill up our rookie B list.

 

[DonsRule]

Johnny Rayner ‏@rayner_johnny 5m5 minutes ago
Thanks to all the @EssendonFC staff and fans that supported me this year. Cheers to the boys and goodluck next season. Will miss you all!

 

[efcboy]

He is studying medicine at university so probably decided to be more career focused academically than sporting.

 

[Seagrave_Holmes]

Saw him in Essendon apparel on the field with the club doctors and physios, perhaps he has finished his studies or maybe he was doing some work experience and helping out around the club.

 

[eth-dog]

Honestly still think he was harshly dealt with. Reckon he was worth the full 3 years.

 

[efcboy]

Honestly still think he was harshly dealt with. Reckon he was worth the full 3 years.

He decided to focus on his medical doctor career so it was an amicable decision hence why he's back at the club helping out in a medical capacity. With Bruce Reid finishing soon a guy like Rayner could be a handy addition to the medical team.

 

[Doss]

Had no idea he was doing that at the club. Good to see.

 

[JD11]

Just on this, have some ties around Melbourne Uni, can tell you he was not really sold on a career in AFL. Was more interested in being a doctor, can you believe that?

 

[Kakkle]

I think he is done with his studies, and is well, actually a doctor now?