NFL 2019: No movement in talks over Hamish Paynter’s proposed move from Macleod to Diamond Creek

Diamond Creek and Macleod remain at loggerheads over the services of contracted on-baller Hamish Paynter, who has sought to join the Creekers as a playing assistant coach.

Hamish Paynter has sought a clearance to join Diamond Creek. Picture: David Crosling

Diamond Creek and Macleod remain at loggerheads over the services of contracted on-baller Hamish Paynter, who has sought to join the Creekers as a playing assistant coach.

The Roos denied Paynter’s clearance request in November and have so far been steadfast in their efforts to retain the classy midfielder.

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Creekers football manager Stephen Elliott said the club was still hopeful Paynter’s switch would be approved.

“He’d be a huge influence on our young blokes,” Elliott said.

“We are a pretty young team, so he would be a great example for our young players.

“On the track, just the way he trains, and the way he plays. With the blokes we have picked up so far, he’d just be the cream on top really.”

Macleod warned last month it could hold Paynter to his contract for 2019 and Elliott conceded “it looks like that (will happen) at this stage”.

He said Paynter, a former co-captain at the Roos and premiership player, was “in a bit of a tricky position”.

Hamish Paynter in action for the NFL representative side. Picture: Mark Wilson.

Diamond Creek coach Craig Hayes previously said Paynter’s addition would be ‘”the most significant signing for any of the Division 2 clubs”, should the Creekers be able to broker a deal.

But Elliott said the festive season and holiday period had caused talks to be dragged out and added “there’s no change at the moment”.

Paynter has played more than 150 senior games for the Roos since 2010 and has been a regular member of the Northern Football League representative squad.

Diamond Creek has already added Benalla pair Tom Bennett and James Marchbank and former Northern Knights player Oliver Stapleton (Heidelberg) as it targets a return to Division 2 finals.

The Creekers missed out on a top-four finish by 1.33 per cent last year after finishing equal with Thomastown at 11-7.

The club’s pre-season resumes on Monday as it prepares for its opening game of the year against Fitzroy Stars on April 6.

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