Tasmanian youngster Geordie Payne is believed to be firming as the No.1 pick in the AFL’s Mid-Season Rookie Draft.
SEN’s Sam Edmund is reporting that the 18-year-old could find himself at North Melbourne via next Wednesday’s mid-season draft.
While there are former AFL players such as Trent Bianco, Matt Ling, Brynn Teakle and Flynn Perez in the mix, it could be Payne who is selected first.
The North Launceston product has been starring for the Tasmanian Devils in the Coates Talent League in 2024 and his versatility as a defender who can play midfield and forward could be attractive for the Kangaroos.
“I don’t often play in this space but I’m hearing a kid from Tasmania is firming as the number one pick,” Edmund said on SEN Breakfast.
“North Melbourne have it and it could be Geordie Payne from the Tassie Devils.
“He’s a 184cm defender who is said to rate very highly in the competitive stakes. A gusty interceptor, aggressive with the ball coming back the other way and he’s got some real speed as well.
“He won the Devils Player of the Year award last year, he was said to be unlucky to miss out on being drafted last year. He’s played back, that’s where he shone last year, but he’s gone onto the ball and had some stints forward in the early part of this season. He kicked four goals on Sunday in the Coates Talent League.
“He’s one to watch next Wednesday. He’s one of only 25-odd players listed for a medical ahead of next week.”
Payne booted four goals from 29 disposals in the Devils’ 81-46 win over Eastern Ranges on the weekend.
He is averaging 22 disposals, 5.8 tackles, 3.8 inside 50s and has kicked 12 goals across five Coates Talent League games this season.
If Payne were to be picked up by the Roos, he would join fellow Taswegians Hugh Greenwood and Colby McKercher at Arden Street.
The mid-season draft takes place on Wednesday, May 29.