Fred Payne (footballer)

Fred Payne
Personal information
Full name	Fred R. Payne
Date of birth	4 February 1927
Original team(s)	Ardmona[1]
Height/Weight	182 cm / 76 kg
Playing career^1
Years	Club	Games (Goals)
1949-1953	Essendon	42 (7)
^1 Playing statistics correct to end of 1953 season.

Fred Payne (born 4 February 1927) is a former Australian rules footballer who played with Essendon in the Victorian Football League (VFL).

Payne experienced victory in the first 14 senior games that he played, but being part of a strong Essendon squad also meant it was difficult to command regular selection and he missed out on playing in their 1949 and 1950 premiership teams.^[2] He played as both a follower and forward during his career.

Originally from Ardmona, he made 16 appearances for Essendon in 1951.^[2] Payne missed both the semi final and preliminary final with a thigh injury, but was named on the bench for the 1951 VFL Grand Final.^[3] He would end up starting the game in the forward pocket, after Essendon player John Gill had to withdraw.

In 1954 he joined Hawthorn, where he played in the seconds. Having been unable to make it into the seniors, Payne crossed to Bendigo Football League club Kyneton later in the year.

He continued playing across the state for the rest of the decade and throughout the 1960s, with stints at Sunbury, Murchison, Shepparton and Ardmona.^[4]

References

1. Holmesby, Russell & Main, Jim (2007). The Encyclopedia Of AFL Footballers. BAS Publishing. ISBN 978-1-920910-78-5.
2. AFL Tables: Fred Payne
3. The Argus,"Two in running for vital role", 19 September 1951, p. 13
4. "Payne, Fred R". Essendon Football Club.