Jack Payne re-signs with at Brisbane Lions until 2029

With some ageing veterans down back expected out the door after 2023, Brisbane have moved swiftly to lock down an emerging force down back that could be pivotal to their premiership hunt.

Brisbane Lions player Jack Payne. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Brisbane’s defensive revelation Jack Payne has been locked in by the Lions until 2029 after emerging as a centrepiece of the club’s premiership ambitions.

The Herald Sun can reveal Payne has signed a five-year extension added onto a contract that already had him tied away until the end of 2024.

A season that began with full back Marcus Adams being put in cotton wool for the entire year with concussion issues has seen Payne quickly become one of the first Lions defenders picked.

The former Noosa junior Lions academy graduate is still only 23 so with just 45 games under his belt the Lions believe he is yet to reach his peak.

Adams is likely to retire with concussion issues and running defender Dan Rich, who suffered hamstring soreness in the VFL last weekend, might be in his final season.

Jack Payne has recommitted to the Lions. Picture: Nigel Hallett

But the new breed of Lions are coming on fast with Darcy Wilmot impressive in defence and Will Ashcroft and Jaspa Fletcher long-term prospects who have impressed in their first seasons.

Clubs are desperately attempting to scour the competition for key position defenders but Payne said he was happy to recommit despite having a season on his contract.

“Having been taken in by the Brisbane Lions Academy, I am grateful for everything they have taught me, so it feels right to show my gratitude by signing with the club for another five years,” Payne said.

“I love these boys, the club and everything we stand for, and I couldn’t see myself playing anywhere else.

“Personally, I want to keep improving, and I will work with my coaches and teammates to become the best player I can.

“I feel we have the squad and structures in place to ensure we challenge for the next few years and hopefully we can win a flag during my time.”

Brisbane had only just signed back-up ruckman Darcy Fort for two more seasons and is likely to secure Dev Robertson despite playing only nine games this year.

Lions football boss Danny Daly said the Lions were thrilled to be able to plan for at least six more seasons from the No. 54 selection in the 2017 national draft.