The latest on Brisbane’s injured backman as the Lions prepare for a “really dangerous” Blues onslaught
“A few of us have had some load management stuff over the last couple of weeks, it’s been a long season.”
Brisbane may be missing “integral” defender Jack Payne for Saturday’s preliminary final against Carlton, as the breakout defender continues to recover from an ankle injury.
Payne has been forced to monitor his workload over the past week after worsening the issue against Port Adelaide in week one of the post-season, casting question on his ability to play this weekend against a resurgent Blues side.
The 23-year-old was assigned minor tasks during Tuesday’s training session and will be in a race against time to be cleared to play, potentially opening the door for recruit Darragh Joyce or forgotten defender Darcy Gardiner.
Payne will be evaluated further following Thursday’s major training session, the Lions said on Tuesday, before a decision on his selection status is made.
Brisbane backman Harris Andrews told reporters that the team is hoping Payne will be ready to assist tame the Blues’ onslaught, but has backed in any prospective reinforcements to step up if necessary.
“He’s got a sore foot and ankle.” “He’ll train today and we’ll see how things go,” Andrews added.
“A few of us have had some load management issues over the last few weeks; it’s been a long season, so making sure we’re ready to go at this time of year is critical.”
“He’s been a huge help to us this year, so fingers crossed he’ll be fine.” He’s been an essential element of our backline, and his growth has been incredible for us as a club.
“I think we’ve shown this year that we have a lot of depth.” Guys like Darragh Joyce and Darcy Gardiner can step in.
“From what I gather, and ‘Fages’ frequently mentions it, good teams have a lot of depth.” That is something we have had all year, and it is very exciting.”
After missing the exciting two-point triumph over Melbourne last Friday, the Blues could have both Harry McKay (concussion) and Jack Martin (suspension) ready for the preliminary final.
McKay appears to be the most likely opponent for Payne at the Gabba, with the latter’s potential absence prompting a big selection swing in favour of the travelling side.
After developing a defensive strategy that is less “matchup-based” and more team-oriented, Andrews believes the Lions must trust their system in order to stop Carlton’s offensive threats.
“They’ve got a really dangerous forward line,” remarked Andrews.
“They played well over the weekend, and they have McKay and Martin who could potentially come back in.”
“They’ve been playing some good team football down there, and it’ll be another great test for us as a backline.” The mids and forwards have done an excellent job of limiting supply; if we can keep putting pressure on the ball, it will make our tasks a little simpler.
“From a mindset standpoint (following selection changes), nothing changes; we just keep playing the same way we have all year.” This year, we’ve tried to develop as a squad in the backline by simply playing our system.
“In previous years, we may have been a little matchup-focused and concerned about that sort of thing, but this year we can just focus on what we’ve done really well this year, which is playing for each other.”
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“Our backline group has a very clear understanding of what needs to be done in each role.” We have complete faith in anyone who joins the team to fill that job.”
The Blues may not be the only team sharpening their spear for Saturday’s final, with the Lions debating whether to return veteran sharpshooter Jack Gunston for his first game since Round 22.
Gunston has been out with a knee injury since his team’s close victory against Adelaide in mid-August, but he has been cleared to play against the Blues.
If Gunston is named to the Lions’ preliminary final, Andrews believes he will give unrivaled finals experience.
“‘Gunners’ is going well, he’s had a really good block of training since he hurt his knee,” added the Lions co-captain.
“He’s fighting fit and appears to be ready to go, so it’s up to ‘Fages’ and the coaches to decide whether or not he plays.” This time of year, the experience he’s brought to our organization is quite valuable.
“He’s been part of some really successful teams, so we’ve been leaning on him in regards to that.”
Brisbane will play Carlton at the Gabba on Saturday evening at 5:15pm (AEST), with a win guaranteeing them a spot in the grand final against either Collingwood or GWS.
