STRENGTHS:

+ Speed
+ Scoreboard impact
+ Forward craft

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Kicking
- Defensive game

Previously a nationally ranked sprinter, Matthew Payne’s speed is the biggest aspect of his game as he burns opponents around the ground to win the ball. The Western Jets small forward is a player who can regularly hit the scoreboard and do a lot of damage inside 50, with defensive attributes the next focus for Payne.

The Under 17s Vic Metro representative rarely goes through a game without impacting the scoreboard in some way, with that athleticism and craftiness at ground level making him a danger inside the forward 50 at all times, able to make up any lost ground quickly and trouble opponents with his evasiveness with ball in hand. Standing at 174cm, Payne is more of a crumber than a marking forward, but he does have a knack for finding space and having set shots.

Looking into the future, Payne will be looking to improve on his kicking, particularly around the ground, as he can be prone to floating his kicks a touch, as well as the defensive pressure he applies when the opposition wins the ball. If he can tidy up his polish and add those elements to his game, the 174cm, 73kg forward can have a greater impact if given the chance at the top level.