Brisbane Lion Hugh McCluggage is urging young AFL teammate Cam Rayner to hang tough during his 2019 struggles.
Despite the Lions' 6-3 start to the year which has lifted them into the competition's top four, 19-year-old Rayner has been struggling to meet the heights he enjoyed in his debut season.
The teenager had just three disposals in last Saturday's one-point win over Adelaide at the Gabba after eight the week before against the Western Bulldogs.
Last season the 2017 No.1 draft pick averaged 13.5 disposals and over four score involvements a game.
So far this year those numbers are down to 8.7 and 3.7 respectively.
McCluggage, who'll play his 50th AFL match against Fremantle on Sunday, is confident Rayner will rediscover his form and his slump is no different than those experienced both any young player.
"It's such a tough position that forward spot that he's playing," McCluggage said.
"We've seen some of the best players - (Jordan) De Goey, Dusty (Martin) - they've had similar ups and downs early in their career.
"He's just got to work through it, work with the coaches closely and stick to what he does best. He's such a talented player and I'm sure he'll be right."
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