Jackson Paine signs with Terang Mortlake for next season

A VAFA player, with links to his new club, has made a move to country footy for 2026. His new club reveals why they’ve secured the ex-AFL player.

Jackson Paine, playing for Brisbane, has joined Terang Mortlake. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Peled.

Terang Mortlake coach Lewis Taylor hopes the addition of another ex-AFL player and one of his good mates can provide the firepower needed to make the Bloods a major threat in the Hampden league.

The Bloods have signed former Collingwood and Brisbane player Jackson Paine for next season after playing for the past few years in the VAFA with Old Melburnians.

The 16-game AFL player has been playing in the VAFA since 2019.

Now, he makes the move to country footy to play with Taylor, who he was teammates at the Lions from 2014 to 2016.

Jackson Paine playing for St Mary’s a couple of years ago. Picture: Felicity Elliott/AFLNT Media

“I’ve known Jacko for a long time now and it’s great to have him come down and play footy with us,” Taylor said.

“His partner has family just outside of Mortlake as well, so it all works out pretty well.”

Taylor said the club targeted forwards in the off-season after recognising a deficiency in converting inside-50s.

“We’ve gone in with a bit of a focus for next year to try to add some firepower,” Taylor said.

“We get all the stats sent through to us and most of our game is in pretty good shape.

“It was just when we went inside 50, we just weren’t able to put a score on the board.”

Taylor revealed the club will also have Will Kain back at the club full-time after he played a handful of matches while also spending time overseas last season.

He kicked 78 goals as a leading forward in the 2023 Hampden league season.

“It is good to have him back,” Taylor said.

“Adding Will and Jack to that mix is going to help shape our forward line. Hopefully we can still add some guys in there.

“Guys who missed footy (last season) will also add to that.”

Terang Mortlake has signed Oscar Curran and Ballarat Swans player Keegan Mellington to the club as well as it looks to win a premiership for the first time since 2008.

Originally published as Jackson Paine signs with Terang Mortlake for next season