Brisbane Lions defender under cloud for preliminary final

Brisbane is sweating over the availability of Jack Payne, the likely opponent of Carlton ace Charlie Curnow, for their AFL preliminary final on Saturday.

The Lions are a $1.40 favourite with AFL betting sites to win the clash, but Payne’s absence with an ankle injury, would be a huge boost to Carlton ($3.05), especially with Harry McKay expected to return from concussion protocols.

Payne, 23, has been grappling with an ankle injury and was spotted in a moon boot after the Lions qualifying final against Port Adelaide. He then stayed off the training ground last week, which the Lions say was as a precautionary measure.

The Lions held back veteran Darcy Gardiner from their VFL side’s recent game against Werribee, hinting he might be the go-to replacement if Payne’s condition doesn’t improve.

This season has witnessed Payne rise as a pivotal player for Brisbane, playing 23 games and establishing himself in the wake of Marcus Adams’ unforeseen retirement, owed to sustained concussion issues. He notably shined in a Round 8 victory over Carlton, restricting double Coleman Medal winner Curnow to a mere single goal.

The agility and prowess Payne brings to the table have empowered coach Chris Fagan to deploy him against the opposition’s prime forwards, which has consequently relieved co-captain Harris Andrews. Consequently, Andrews has reclaimed his status as a premier key defender, narrowly missing a spot in the All-Australian lineup.

Carlton is also expected to bolster their lineup with Jack Martin making a comeback post-suspension. Martin is finally beginning to realise his undoubted potential after beginning his career at the Gold Coast Suns.

Curnow’s importance to Carlton, despite not setting the finals alight so far, cannot be understated with Aussie bookmakers showing him plenty of respect, pricing him at $1.50 to kick three or more goals against the Lions.

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