Defender Jack Payne has committed to the Brisbane Lions until at least the end of 2029, going ALL IN by signing a new five-year contract extension.
The 23-year-old was already contracted for 2024, though wasted no time in accepting the Club’s offer to continue wearing the maroon, blue and gold for another five seasons.
Payne, a former Noosa junior and graduate of the Brisbane Lions Academy, has experienced the most impressive 12 months of his 45-game career which has led to the new deal.
The 197cm defender said he wanted to repay the faith shown in him by the Club that gave him his start in the AFL.
“Having been taken in by the Brisbane Lions Academy, I am grateful for everything they have taught me, so it feels right to show my gratitude by signing with the club for another five years,” Payne said.
“I love these boys, the Club and everything we stand for, and I couldn’t see myself playing anywhere else.
“Personally, I want to keep improving, and I will work with my coaches and teammates to become the best player I can.
“I feel we have the squad and structures in place to ensure we challenge for the next few years and hopefully we can win a flag during my time.”
The rapid emergence of Payne has seen him become instrumental to Brisbane’s improved defensive unit alongside the likes of Co-Captain and mentor Harris Andrews.
Brisbane Lions general manager of football, Danny Daly, lauded the young defender for the role he has played this season and is confident Payne’s best football is still ahead of him.
“In the space of a few of years, Jack has gone from a promising teenager in our Brisbane Lions Academy to an impressive defender for us in the AFL,” he said.
“Each week he is playing on some of the competition’s best forwards and has done some outstanding jobs on those guys, making him a crucial part of our defence.
“This is all a result of Jack putting in the hard work, so he deserves the individual and team success he has experienced so far, and we can’t wait to see what he delivers over the next six years with us.”
Payne joined the Club via the Brisbane Lions Academy, selected with pick 54 in the 2017 National Draft.
