Pitted as the leading pick one contender, Payne has transformed his game in 2024 having garnered late interest as a rebound defender. The Tasmanian is now a midfielder-forward with great agility and competitiveness to match his undeniable versatility. His form has been outstanding over the last three weeks, averaging 28 disposals, seven tackles, and two goals per game. He’s ready.

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2023 AFL DRAFT PROFILE

STRENGTHS:

+ Competitiveness
+ Intercept marking
+ Run-and-carry
+ Speed

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Decision making
- Disposal consistency

Geordie Payne was perhaps unlucky to have missed out on Allies selection having returned some strong performances prior to the National Championships, though he made every post a winner once more highly touted teammates stepped up to representative level. Recruiters took notice as the Tasmanian managed to maintain such output and when the Devils returned to full strength, with his gutsy intercept marking making an impression. Payne is also switched on in the attacking phase, often taking the game on with speed.

He's the type of player who sets off as soon as he wins the ball, and while he still needs to improve on slowing the game down when the time calls for it, provides plenty of offensive flair with this rebounding prowess. This ‘run at all cost’ mentality has occasionally gotten him into trouble, with his ball use suffering as a result, where he can be prone to putting teammates under pressure with rushed disposals. Payne took out Tasmania's best and fairest this year among a relatively stacked field and is said to have attracted interest from the likes of Adelaide, but is otherwise a chance late in the National Draft.

DRAFT RANGE: Late/Rookie