Brisbane Lions defender Jack Payne to play crucial role against Carlton

If the Brisbane Lions are to beat Carlton, one man will need to be at his best to limit the damage the Blues forwards can cause.

Lions defender Jack Payne believes he ‘belongs’ at AFL level. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Last year Jack Payne would have lacked the “belief” that he could nullify the threat of two of the best forwards in the AFL.

However, a run of matches at the top level has Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan confident Payne can stop Charlie Curnow or Harry McKay, or perhaps both of Carlton’s star forward pair, at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.

“He’s just looking confident, isn’t he?” Fagan said of Payne, who has played 12 successive top-flight games since late last season after coming into the team for the injured Marcus Adams.

“I think that continuity, (and) the fact he played in all the finals last year, he’s now starting to believe in himself.

“It feels like you belong. He’s played on some players this year, and he’s done a great job, so I can’t see why he can’t continue that (against Carlton).”

Fagan said the 23-year-old Payne was like several other young players who too often doubted their ability.

“That transition in his own mind now that he belongs at AFL level is the thing that’s changed him around,” the Lions coach said.

Jack Payne’s form for the Brisbane Lions has been impressive. Picture: Chris Hyde/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

And while the Lions’ task of stopping Curnow and McKay won’t be easy, Fagan said Carlton would also have a tough night trying to keep quiet a Lions forward arsenal that included Charlie Cameron, Jack Gunston, Joe Daniher, Eric Hipwood and Zac Bailey.

“They’ve got their work cut out, their backs, and our backs have got their work cut out as well,” he said.

The Lions’ defensive unit is also expected to include Noah Answerth, who came on as a substitute for Dayne Zorko in the final quarter of Brisbane’s 48-point win over Fremantle at the Gabba last Saturday.

With Zorko (hamstring) and halfback Daniel Rich (calf) sidelined, Answerth is tipped to be included in Brisbane’s top 22 on a night when the Lions hope to extend their winning streak to five matches.

“I thought Noah did well (against the Dockers),” Fagan said.

“He came on, played a quarter, had seven possessions, made three or four tackles, had a few score involvements … it was very good.

“He did his chances (of being selected this week) no harm.

“He played with a lot of energy, he’s a good tackler, he not frightened of anything – he’s a good young player.

“He’s played a fair bit of senior footy already. It has really only been injury that’s hurt him in the last few years in terms of playing a few more games.”

Originally published as Brisbane Lions defender Jack Payne to play crucial role against Carlton