Jack Payne’s goal-saving tackle exemplifies the Brisbane Lions’ never-say-die season.
With 80 seconds left and the Lions hanging on in Saturday’s gripping preliminary final, Geelong’s Mitch Duncan looked certain to cut the margin to five points.
But the towering Payne, who has been managing a knee issue for the last two weeks, lunged towards the Cats veteran from behind and earned himself a free kick 20 metres out from Geelong’s goal.
Jack Payne’s chasedown tackle was CLUTCHHHHH! #AFLFinals | #AFLCatsLions pic.twitter.com/YOa4NPGzQs
— AFL (@AFL) September 21, 2024
The act of desperation killed off any hope Geelong had of snatching a grand final appearance away from the Lions, with Brisbane booking a date in the decider against Sydney.
“Just fight to the death,” Payne told AAP about the tackle.
“I had a quick glance, and I saw him (Duncan) run past me, so I thought ‘I better put the burners on’.
“Luckily, I got him, but all boys stood up so much in that second half.
“It was just a pound the rock game … very proud of the performance.
“Probably the best win I’ve been a part of.
“Those last five minutes felt like a whole quarter.”
Payne was subbed out of the Lions’ elimination final win against Carlton with a knee injury that looked a chance to rule him out for the rest of the season.
Fortunately for the 24-year-old and Brisbane’s defence, ⭐️⭐️⭐️ All-in-one web analytics ⭐️⭐️⭐️ he was cleared of major damage and pushed himself to play in last week’s semi-final against GWS.
“Injuries happen in sport and there’s a lot of players that are playing injured,” Payne said.
“I’ll just have a slow week on the track and prepare as usual.
“I’m getting a jab so it takes away the pain, and it’s just one of those things … there’s a lot of players playing injured at this time of year.”
Payne, along with retiring veteran Daniel Rich, was the heartbreak story of the grand final last year for the Lions.
After enjoying a breakout season playing as Brisbane’s second key defender behind co-captain Harris Andrews, Payne was unable to recover enough from an ankle injury to warrant being selected.
“I’m sort of always getting injured at the pointy end of the season,” Payne said.
“Last year was very disappointing to miss out, but to be back in this position again is something I’m really looking forward to.”
Brisbane’s premiership aspirations have appeared shaky numerous times this season.
The Lions stumbled out of the blocks after last year’s heartbreaking grand final loss against Collingwood, limping to 0-3, 2-5, and 4-1-6 records during the first half of 2024.
Chris Fagan’s side found themselves 44 points down during the third quarter of against GWS, before pulling off the biggest VFL/AFL finals comeback since the famous 1970 grand final.
Then in the preliminary final, the Lions trailed Geelong by 25 points during the third term.
“Ever since we entered this final series, the messaging hasn’t changed,” Payne said.
“Even though we were down at halftime, we still had great confidence and belief that we can come away and get the job done.
