PAYNE, Fred

Fred Payne was a follower and half-forward who came from Ardmona in 1948. He struggled to get a regular senior game in the strong teams of that era, but he was a courageous battler who gave it all he had.

Payne was the original twentieth man in the losing 1951 Grand Final side, but became a late inclusion in the eighteen when John Gill dropped out through injury. His promotion and Essendon's injuries woes meant that coach, Dick Reynolds, had to come out of retirement and become the replacement twentieth man.

Payne was also a member of the Seconds premiership side in 1950, and won Essendon's Best Utility Player award in 1951.

After leaving Essendon, he played for Hawthorn Seconds in early 1954 before finishing the year at Kyneton. He returned to Essendon Seconds in 1955 and 1956.

Payne played for Sunbury in 1957 and 1958, followed by Murchison from 1959 to 1962 then with Shepparton from 1963 to 1965. He finished his career back at Ardmona.

He retired in 1986 as a Senior Sergeant after thirty three years with Victoria Police.