Brisbane defender Jack Payne is doing everything he can to prove his fitness for Saturday’s AFL grand final against Collingwood.
Payne has been a mainstay of the Lions’ defence this year, playing 23 games before missing the preliminary final with an untimely ankle injury.
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The 23-year-old has turned to cryotherapy and even used the same hyperbaric chamber as Matildas superstar Sam Kerr in a bid to help his recovery.
Kerr suffered a calf injury on the eve of the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup and missed Australia’s three group games before returning from the bench in the win over Denmark in the Round of 16.
Payne hit the track on Tuesday, but the big test looms on Thursday as coach Chris Fagan weighs up selecting Payne or sticking with Darcy Gardiner, who performed strongly against Carlton last week.
“Trained a little bit Tuesday, put through a bit of movement, change of direction,” 7NEWS reporter Mitch Cleary said on Talking Finals.
“Needs to be 100 per cent if he is to twist Chris Fagan’s arm and win his spot back having missed out on the prelim with the ankle.
“He’s been doing cryotherapy during the week and going to the same hyperbaric chamber Sam Kerr used when she was up here in Brisbane during the Matildas campaign for her calf injury.
“Jack Payne going to all lengths he can to get that ankle right.”
Cleary also revealed small forward Lincoln McCarthy is battling a calf problem, but appears likely to take his place in the side.
“Bit of a watch too on Lincoln McCarthy,” Cleary said.
“Didn’t train on Tuesday with a bit of a calf concern. A watch too on him tomorrow (Thursday) for main training at the Gabba in a closed session before he flies to Melbourne. I think he will be OK.”
The decision on Payne is looming as the only selection decision for Brisbane with Jarryd Lyons likely to hold his place as the substitute.
Collingwood have already had to make two heartbreaking scratchings ahead of Thursday night’s team announcement.
Former Lions forward Dan McStay injured his knee in the preliminary final while Taylor Adams’ hamstring tightened up again at training as he raced the clock to return from missing that game through injury.
Adams’ season ending prematurely for a second consecutive year has been tough for the Magpies.
– With AAP.
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