Brisbane Lions defender Jack Payne gives praise to Queensland’s regional Aussie rules pathways

Brisbane Lions premiership star Jack Payne has praised the growth of Queensland AFL’s regional pathways with an increase of rising talents breaking into the elite level.

Brisbane Lions premiership star Jack Payne.

Brisbane Lions premiership winning star Jack Payne has once again praised his local club and the pathways on offer for junior players in regional areas.

The 25-year-old, who grew up on the Sunshine Coast, is joined in the Lions top squad by fellow homegrown talents Eric Hipwood and Shadeau Brain as well as new recruits Ty Gallop and Sam Marshall.

Speaking at the Lions Sunshine Coast community camp on Wednesday Payne reflected on his journey from the Noosa Tigers to the AFL.

“We’ve had a lot of Sunshine Coast and wider Queensland players that have come through the AFL system now,” Payne said.

“I definitely feel like the numbers in AFL Queensland is on the rise, especially in the last five or six years which is awesome to see.

Jack Payne receives his premiership medal. Picture Lachie Millard

“If it wasn’t for the Brisbane Lions academy I wouldn’t have ever taken up AFL.”

Brisbane’s AFLW team also follows the trend of talented Sunshine Coast players breaking into the top level with Lily Postlethwaite, Shannon Campbell, Belle Dawes, Sophie Peters and incoming draftee Lilly Baker all representing the region.

“Our women’s team has done exceptionally well over the years as well which is what we strive for as a club for both parties to be competing at the highest level,” Payne said.

“That no doubt has a big impact on both male and female juniors coming through.”

Hipwood, a former Maroochydore State High School student and Caloundra Panthers junior said in 2024 he was proud of the attention the rising Sunshine Coast players were receiving.

Eric Hipwood in action for Caloundra Panthers. Picture: John McCutcheon.

“I think the development of the game on the Sunshine Coast, especially in the last five years has been rapid,” he said.

“I think it’s a credit to the Lions academy and the pathway they’ve been able to create.

“It certainly wasn’t like that when I was coming through in the early days but to watch that program come to life and to have so many Queenslanders on our list is awesome.”

The 2024 premiers will host an open training session and junior super clinic at the Maroochydore Multisport Complex on Friday January 24.