Taken with the first pick of the 2024 AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft, Payne originally made a name for himself as an intercepting and rebounding defender but was selected off the back of an impressive stint as a midfielder and crumbing forward in the Coates Talent League.
Unlucky to miss out on the 2023 National Draft, the Tasmanian native is aggressive in the contest and is now a part of an exciting young core at Arden Street.
2024: Payne notched eight VFL games after arriving at Arden Street in the mid-season draft.
Deployed at half-forward, he stood out in his second appearance, tallying 17 disposals and a goal against the Pies before slotting two in an impressive win over Williamstown.
