Jack Payne could make his senior debut against Port Adelaide this weekend after being named on the extended bench in Senior Coach Chris Fagan’s 26-man squad.
Payne, a Hyundai Help for Kids Lions Academy graduate, was selected with Pick No. 54 at the 2017 AFL Draft. He enjoyed a promising 2018 pre-season and starred for the Lions in a JLT Community Series match against the Sydney Swans. However, his season was riddled with injuries and he missed most of the year due to a stress fracture on his tibia.
2019, however, has been kinder to the big-bodied defender with Payne playing 11 games for the undefeated NEAFL side.
Oscar McInerney is a chance of returning to the team after he missed Round 16’s win over GWS GIANTS due to concussion. He has been named on the extended bench, alongside Archie Smith, Rhys Mathieson, Josh Walker and Ben Keays who have all been starring in the NEAFL competition in recent weeks.
The game against Port Adelaide will also mark Charlie Cameron’s 100th AFL match.
Fagan told media earlier this week Cameron has been an invaluable addition to the Lions team.
“As a small forward he’s one of the best in the game and is in All Australian form,” Fagan said.
“It’s good to have players who are weapons and threaten the opposition.
“I’m sure the boys will lift for him.”
Luke Hodge will be managed this week and Eric Hipwood has been ruled out due to his knee injury.
In: Ben Keays, Josh Walker, Rhys Mathieson, Jack Payne, Archie Smith, Oscar McInerney
Out: Luke Hodge (Managed), Eric Hipwood (Injured)
Milestone: Charlie Cameron (100th AFL Match), Jack Payne (1st AFL Match)
New: Jack Payne (Noosa FC/Brisbane Lions Academy)
