John Leslie Payne

[Mark_Beswick]

Does anyone know if Jihn Leslie PAYNE of NOrth Adelaide 1970-1971 play VFL 1971 1 game for South Melbourne.

D.L Payne
1969 Tomkins Medal (U19's) Brother of David Spencer Payne

[Adelaide Hawk]

That's a very good question.

I've checked every reference source I have and can't find an answer. I know that a John Payne played 1 game for South Melbourne in 1971 (number 40), and checking a few football budgets the name J Payne is listed regularly in the North Adelaide seconds. My first reaction is it would be a different player, but this was the era where a number of SANFL players played the odd game in the VFL due to national service committments. Maybe if you checked army service records it may provide the answer.

[Leaping Lindner]

That's a very good question.

I've checked every reference source I have and can't find an answer. I know that a John Payne played 1 game for South Melbourne in 1971 (number 40), and checking a few football budgets the name J Payne is listed regularly in the North Adelaide seconds. My first reaction is it would be a different player, but this was the era where a number of SANFL players played the odd game in the VFL due to national service committments. Maybe if you checked army service records it may provide the answer.

I was thinking that Johnny Payne wasn't a regular league player with us so it's probably not him, but as you say there is a chance he played one National Service game.
He still works at the club so I'll endeavour to find out.

[Adelaide Hawk]

As you say, he wasn't a regular league player for North, but South Melbourne finished bottom in 1971, so they may have been happy to try anyone who looked like they could play

LL, why dodn't John Payne play more league footy for the Roosters? He won the Tomkins Medal in 1969, and I recall him booting 6 goals for North in a losing Reserves GF to Norwood in 1970. I thought he looked a pretty good player that day, but that was the only time I recall seeing him play. I know North had some pretty good teams around that era, so was it a case of lack of opportunity or wasn't he up to it? His brother David was an excellent player for the Redlegs.

[Mark_Beswick]

Thanks Guys - It will be interesting to see how you get on their Leapinh Lindner when you next speak with him

Regards
Mark

[Leaping Lindner]

Spoke to my "source" today and he thinks it's very unlikely that it's our John Payne. As a matter of interest the John Payne who currently works at the club is a different John Payne - my mistake
Hawk I don't know why he didn't play more league with North. Certainly in those days The Von was the unquestioned #1 rover and probably Ken Francou #2 so that may explain it. Also I'm lead to believe John Payne lacked a little in pace (unlike his brother).