VAFA 2021: Shaun Payze to play 400th senior game for Old Peninsula

Old Peninsula champion Shaun Payze has been stuck on 399 VAFA senior games for 18 months, but the wait is nearly over.

Old Peninsula one-club champion Shaun Payze runs through a banner for his 300th game.

Shaun Payze has celebrated two birthdays, wrestled with retirement thoughts and negotiated a global pandemic since his last game of football.

On Saturday, he will play his 400th VAFA senior game when he runs out for Old Peninsula against PEGS at Harry Macdonald Oval, Mt Eliza.

One-club star Payze, 41, admits it’s been an unusual lead up — to say the least — to the milestone game.

“Everyone says a year off might be good for you,” Payze said on Wednesday, referring to the canned 2020 season.

“But I’m not sure because I wasn’t really injured, I was just old. So I’m not sure a year off is going to be the greatest thing for the body but it doesn’t feel any different to how I was at this time last year when the season got canned.

“Hopefully I don’t get found out too much.”

Shaun Payze has won six best and fairest awards at the Pirates.

The Shaun Payze football career at Peninsula Old Boys is a storied one.

He played his first game as schoolboy in 1998. A few weeks later he was dropped to the reserves because the coach thought he was getting a bit ahead of himself. It was harsh but it quickly taught Payze to cherish his place in the Pirates’ top side.

Two decades later it remains his only twos game on his brilliant footy CV.

Shaun Payze kicks his 1000th career goal.

Payze has kicked over 1000 goals for Old Peninsula, represented the state and won numerous club and league awards.

After slotting his 1000th goal in August, 2019, former teammate Eivion Bowen said: “It’s a pretty remarkable effort. In today’s day and age...he’s never received a cent to play, been at the one club.’’

Only a handful of players in the VAFA have reached 400 senior games.

Payze says he will be humbled to get there, although he’s more focused on trying to get a kick.

“I’ll be happy when it’s over and done with,” he said.

“I understand it is a significant milestone but I’d rather just get to the game and try and get a kick, and hopefully we can win the game.

“But I appreciate the well wishes and everything that goes with it.”

The opening round game was originally scheduled at PEGS’ home ground in Keilor, but they agreed to play it at Old Peninsula’s home ground to allow the Pirates to celebrate Payze’s milestone.

“I certainly appreciate them doing that for us,’’ Payze said.

Shaun Payze:

399 games

1006 goals

6 x club B&Fs (5 x runners up)

1 x League B&F

4 x League leading goalkicker (best 102 goals in 2005)

Biggest goal haul was 16 in a game

VAFA (Vic amateur) rep team 2000