Jack Payne now has the self-belief to match his intimidating body and it is helped erase one in all Brisbane’s largest pre-season AFL complications.
While the Lions’ forwards and midfielders have been hogging the limelight in a 5-2 begin, the 23-year-old’s work alongside Harris Andrews in defence has been as essential.
It was the Sunshine Coast expertise the membership put their religion in when Marcus Adams was sidelined indefinitely with concussion. The Lions opted to not recruit in that space and as an alternative belief the previous observe and discipline star they drafted in 2017.
The jury was out on Payne, who performed in a preliminary ultimate simply 5 video games after debuting in 2020.
Before this yr he had solely performed three video games earlier than spherical eight of any common season, however featured in 5 finals when accidents opened the door.
But with Adams and Darcy Gardiner each injured, Payne has performed constantly because the again half of final season and has now cemented himself alongside co-captain Andrews within the coronary heart of Brisbane’s defence.
“Six years, it’s been a long time,” the 34-gamer instructed AAP forward of Friday’s date with Carlton.
“It’s good to get some self-belief by just playing regularly.”
Payne admitted his stop-start profession had made it difficult to really feel comfy in such a pressure-filled position.
“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 mentioned.
“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 an important member of the group; they have been massive footwear to fill and it is early days however I really feel like I’m going fairly properly.”
Coach Chris Fagan understood the patience his key defender had shown to get to this point.
“He’s been right here I feel six years, and harm within the early days stored him out for a very long time then,” Fagan said. “He was out and in of the group.
“But from (2022) finals until now he’s had continuous games and he’s grown in confidence.
“He’s definitely a giant sturdy lad … naturally constructed that means and his mark and spoil enhances Harris rather well. Hopefully he can maintain going.”
At 197cm and 101kg, Payne has the physique to match Adams and says he’s beginning to find synergy alongside Andrews.
“We know one another’s strengths, know when one’s coming throughout 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 superb season and people two key forwards have been important to that,” Payne mentioned.
“It’s going to be a giant problem that I’m trying ahead to.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
