Payne relief for Lions with key defender a chance to face Giants
He was playing his first senior game in seven weeks, having overcome a foot injury and proving his fitness in the VFL a week earlier.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Brisbane coach Chris Fagan said he had a “level of optimism” about Payne’s prospects.
Payne was having a big influence in his return, matched up against Harry McKay and gathering five intercept possessions of his own.
Brisbane led 47-0 when he left the field.
The lead grew to 60 before Carlton surged with five consecutive goals either side of half-time to, at least momentarily, make a game of things.
“You’ve just got to deal with the momentum when it occurs. I thought we did a pretty good job in the latter part of the third quarter, just to crunch the game up, slow it down and be in a good position by three-quarter time.
“I know the murmur went around, because it’s happened a couple of times. I don’t think Carlton were ever going to get back into that game tonight.”
Brisbane has lost both games against GWS this season, including one in round 22 after it had established a 30-point quarter-time lead.
Fagan said his team would have to counter the Giants’ pressure and ability to chain possessions with handballs.
“Over the years everyone gets excited about the teams down the bottom of the eight that win, and because the Giants lost, everyone gets down on them and that’s the narrative.
