Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan has declared he would never pick a player nursing any sort of injury, as key defender Jack Payne was officially ruled out of Saturday night’s clash with Carlton.
The 23-year-old wore a moon boot for much of the week off in the aftermath of the side’s triumph over Port Adelaide, aiming to overcome the considerable swelling which had built up around his ankle.
Jack Payne has been ruled out of the Preliminary Final clash with Carlton.Credit: Getty
While he began running on Tuesday, he will miss the preliminary final, with Fagan expressing full confidence in the incoming Darcy Gardiner to do the job.
He said should the Lions fight their way through to the grand final, Payne would still not be a guaranteed inclusion.
“He got better as the week went on and was a fair bit closer yesterday, but not close enough for me,” Fagan said.
“I’m not a believer of playing injured players in finals, I’ve never really ever seen that work all that well.
“I don’t think it helps the player when he’s got to go out there and play on the big stage, it’s asking a lot.
“If we’re good enough to get through and we get to the grand final he’s going to have to jump through hoops to play because I’m not just going to play injured players in finals.
“He’s played a lot of footy, Darcy. His season’s been really mucked up by injury, but his last six weeks have been really consistent.
“In the last final he played against Williamstown [in the VFL] he was our best player, so we think as unfortunate as it is for Jack and us that he can’t play, Darcy is a fantastic replacement.”
Up the other side of the field, Fagan has also decided to keep veteran recruit Jack Gunston on the sidelines, despite being fully fit for selection.
Jack Gunston has not been selected for Saturday night’s battle with the Blues.Credit: Getty
The former Hawthorn premiership-winner has battled a knee injury since the Round 22 win over Adelaide, but with Brisbane’s forward line firing will remain on the sidelines.
Fagan admitted the 31-year-old was a serious consideration for selection, however a frank conversation between the pair all but confirmed where they stood.
“The team is playing really well, so it’s difficult to change. Jack would be the first person to tell you that, in fact, he spoke to me about that on Tuesday,” he said.
“He said, ‘I know your dilemma, but for what it’s worth, if you leave me out I fully understand.’
“It’s nice to know he’s there in the background, and if we’re fortunate enough to get through to next week he’s an option for us if we need him.
“He’s been on the other side of that too, he’s seen that in his days at Hawthorn – blokes get in the team and play well you can’t jump over the top of them.
“He has a very selfless approach to it.”
