Jack Payne’s confidence continues to grow with the help of Lions star Harris Andrews

Jack Payne’s combination in defence with Harris Andrews is a key part of the success the Brisbane Lions are having.

Lions defender Jack Payne (second from right) has impressed this season. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Lions strongman Jack Payne says the “synergy” he has developed with Lions co-captain Harris Andrews has been crucial to his growing belief that he belongs at AFL level.

Payne was superb in shutting down Coleman medallist Charlie Curnow in the Lions’ 26-point win over Carlton last Friday night.

It was Payne’s 13th successive match across two seasons. and with each appearance, the 23-year-old Sunshine Coast product grows in confidence.

“Playing every week helps,” Payne said ahead of Brisbane’s battle with Essendon at the Gabba on Saturday night.

“Self-belief for me at the moment is really strong, and the more games I’m playing, the better off I’m going to get.”

\Jack Payne has been in good form for the Brisbane Lions. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Payne was grateful for the support he had received from Andrews, a fellow Queenslander and another product of the Lions academy.

“He’s been awesome, Harris,” Payne said.

“We both graduated from the Brisbane Lions academy. He was maybe three or four years ahead of me, so as a junior I tracked his development.

“He’s an exceptional player, a two-time All-Australian, so to learn off him has been awesome for my game and I feel like we’ve got a really good partnership out on the field.

“We’re working really well together … and the more games we play together, the better we’re going to be and (I) feel like our synergy is really good at the moment.”

As Payne’s confidence increases, so does his belief that he can also contribute to Brisbane’s attacking forays by taking intercept marks rather than merely being a defensive spoiler.

“Early days, I probably always would have spoiled the ball, but now, if I think I’m in a good position, I’m going to go for my intercept marks,” he said.

“It helps the team to rebound forward and get the ball moving forward, so if I’m in the right position, I’m going to back myself in.”

Payne trained strongly on Tuesday at Springfield, as did Lions veteran Dayne Zorko, who is pushing hard for an earlier than expected return from a hamstring injury.

The Lions are aiming for a sixth successive win this weekend, with Payne predicting Brisbane’s defence would face a “different” challenge in nullifying Essendon’s forward line.

“Kyle (Langford) played a great game on the weekend against Port (Adelaide), and (Jake) Stringer is their X-factor, so it’s going to be another tough game,” he said.

Originally published as Jack Payne’s confidence continues to grow with the help of Lions star Harris Andrews