AFL Grand Final news: All the latest Brisbane Lions news ahead of their clash with Collingwood

Darcy Gardiner’s effort on Charlie Curnow, plus an upcoming fitness test will give one of Brisbane’s most improved players a nervous week heading into Saturday’s Grand Final.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 09: Jack Payne of the Lions in action during the 2023 AFL Second Qualifying Final match between the Brisbane Lions and the Port Adelaide Power at The Gabba on September 09, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Brisbane defender Jack Payne will face a key fitness test on his injured ankle on Tuesday with superstar onballer Lachie Neale a certain starter in Saturday’s grand final against Collingwood.

Neale hurt his shoulder in the third term of the preliminary final win over Carlton but shrugged off the concern playing on in the fourth term in the 16-point win.

But Payne faces a nervous week testing his injured ankle in an all-or-nothing bid to get the call-up for a job to play in the most important game of his life at the MCG.

Football manager Danny Daly said on Sunday Payne was a 70 per cent chance to play after a brilliant year helping hold down the opposition’s most dangerous key forwards alongside Harris Andrews.

Neale sent a scare through the Brisbane camp on Saturday. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

But Payne, 23, will have to jump an important hurdle on Tuesday and then again on Thursday when the Lions hold their closed main training session.

If he can prove his fitness, Payne would likely replace Darcy Gardiner who did an excellent job helping keep Charlie Curnow quiet in only Gardiner’s third game this season.

“He (Payne) will have a solid hit out on Tuesday and if he can get through that, he probably becomes more 70-30,” Daly said on SEN.

“But again, it is one of those where we will give him every chance and opportunity because he deserves to play, but at the same time, we won’t take any risks.

“Obviously as the week goes on, we will learn more about how close he is to (playing) or not. “But he has given himself every chance of playing.

“If Jack is right to go, he will play.”

Darcy Gardiner’s performance gave the Lions plenty to consider at the selection table. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The Lions said the selection call would not rely on what moves Collingwood made as Craig McRae weighs up whether to bring in Jack Ginnivan for Daniel McStay in attack.

Andrews and Payne (if he plays) would likely be set for jobs on Mason Cox or Darcy Gardiner and Brody Mihocek.

But the Pies could go smaller in attack by playing Ginnivan in place of McStay.

Neale hurt his right shoulder late in the third term but there are no concerns he will miss the premiership decider.

“This one has given me a bit of grief over the years, although this year it has actually held up well,” Neale said.

“I’ve had surgery before through the front (of the shoulder) but it was a bit of a stinger and it came good.”

Originally published as AFL Grand Final news: All the latest Brisbane Lions news ahead of their clash with Collingwood