Noosa talent Jack Payne now has the self-belief to match his intimidating frame, and it’s helped erase one of Brisbane’s biggest pre-season AFL headaches.
While the Lions’ forwards and midfielders have been hogging the limelight in a 5-2 start, the 23-year-old’s work alongside Harris Andrews in defence has been as crucial.
It was Payne the club put their faith in when Marcus Adams was sidelined indefinitely with concussion.
The Lions opted not to recruit in that area and instead trust the former track and field star they drafted in 2017.
The jury was out on Payne, who played in a preliminary final just five games after debuting in 2020.
Before this year he had only played three games before round eight of any regular season, but featured in five finals when injuries opened the door.
But with Adams and Darcy Gardiner both injured, Payne has played consistently since the back half of last season and has now cemented himself alongside co-captain Andrews in the heart of Brisbane’s defence.
“Six years, it’s been a long time,” the 34-gamer said ahead of Friday’s date with Carlton.
“It’s good to get some self-belief by just playing regularly.”
Payne admitted his stop-start career had made it challenging to feel comfortable in such a pressure-filled role.
“It was a little bit tough, but the coaching staff have been really good just giving me a licence to go out there and back my ability, be confident and go for my marks,” he said.
“The more games you play, the more comfortable you feel, and I’m at that level now where I’m backing myself to leave my man and take the mark.
“Marcus was such a vital member of the team; they were big shoes to fill and it’s early days but I feel like I’m going pretty well.”
Coach Chris Fagan understood the patience his key defender had shown to get to this point.
“He’s been here I think six years, and injury in the early days kept him out for a long time then,” Fagan said.
“He was in and out of the team.
“But from (2022) finals until now he’s had continuous games and he’s grown in confidence.
“He’s certainly a big strong lad … naturally built that way and his mark and spoil complements Harris really well. Hopefully he can keep going.”
At 197cm and 101kg, Payne has the physique to match Adams and says he’s beginning to find synergy alongside Andrews.
“We know each other’s strengths, know when one’s coming across to fly and when one’s holding out,” he said.
They pair will need to be tuned in to take down in-form Blues pair Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow, the latter fresh off a career-best nine goals in a thumping of West Coast.
“Carlton are having a good season and those two key forwards have been vital to that,” Payne said.
“It’s going to be a big challenge that I’m looking forward to.”
