Brisbane defender Jack Payne still battling ankle injury ahead of preliminary final

Jack Payne has had a career-best year for Brisbane but is no guarantee to play in Saturday’s preliminary final.

The Lions are sweating on the fitness of Jack Payne (right). Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Brisbane co-captain Harris Andrews is adamant the Lions defensive “system” can cope with the potential loss of Jack Payne for Saturday’s preliminary final against Carlton as the strongman continues to struggle with an ankle injury.

Payne, one of Brisbane’s best players this season, barely raised a sweat at training on Tuesday at Springfield, not taking part in any activities with the main group and leaving the paddock early.

He hasn’t trained properly since the Lions’ 48-point qualifying final win over Port Adelaide on September 9 and was in a moon boot after the match.

Payne’s absence this weekend would be a blow to the Lions considering he restricted Blues star and Coleman medallist Charlie Curnow to one goal in Brisbane’s 26-point win over Carlton in May.

Experienced defender Darcy Gardiner looms at the most likely replacement should Payne not play at the Gabba on Saturday, with Irishman Darragh Joyce also an option.

“Those guys can come in and play their role,” star defender Andrews said.

“Good teams have great depth, and that’s something that I feel like we’ve had all year.”

Darcy Gardiner could be called up. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

“I still approach the game the same way as I would if ‘Payney’ was out there, regardless of who’s out there.

“There’s obviously a little bit to go under the bridge this week, but at the same time, it’s a good opportunity for guys to come in and play their role.”

Andrews said the Lions were this season better equipped to handle the loss of an important player.

“In years gone by, we’ve probably been a little bit more match-up based,” he said.

“We’ve gone away from having those really tight match-ups to playing in a system, and there‘s a really clear understanding within our backline group of what needs to be done in each role.

“We’ve got full trust that anyone that comes into the team can play that role. It’s a great opportunity, and we’re just really excited for anyone that gets to come in.”

The Brisbane Lions get a home preliminary final on Saturday at the Gabba. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Gardiner, a constant in the backline for several years before this season, has played only two senior matches in 2023 – both of which Brisbane lost – following a disrupted pre-season campaign.

However, Andrews said his long-time teammate remained a vital part of Brisbane’s squad.

“Darcy’s been sensational. He probably hasn’t quite had the continuity in his game that he wanted this year, unfortunately, through a bit of injury stuff and selection as well, but around the group, he’s been unbelievable,” Andrew said.

“He’s always a great presence, (provided) so much great leadership when he’s playing in our reserves team and you certainly wouldn’t change his mood depending on selection.

“It‘s great to see him potentially get a chance this week if Jack doesn’t play.”