Mid-season draft news: Geordie Payne talks joining North Melbourne, former Tiger in frame

The mid-season draft is closing in and footy’s likely next No.1 pick would be thrilled to join the Roos. Plus more on an ex-Tiger and a draft smoky here.

AFL draft aspirant Geordie Payne with his Tasmania Devils coach Jeremey Webberley.

Burnie builder Geordie Payne is hoping to have his life transformed overnight as footy’s newest No.1 mid-season draft pick.

Each morning the Tasmanian starts on the tools at 7.15am for a nine-hour shift before a frantic dash to football training.

On Wednesday night North Melbourne is tipped to call out his name with the No.1 overall pick after a blinding three weeks of football capped his steady development in the past 18 months.

As Payne told this masthead on Monday, he would be thrilled to join fellow Tasmanian Colby McKercher at Arden Street because there would be plenty of opportunities.

Payne missed this weekend’s Coates League clash to ensure he didn’t suffer the late injury that almost curtailed Marlion Pickett’s mid-season hopes in 2019.

Geordie Payne in action. Picture: Linda Higginson/Solstice Digital

The 18-year-old had already shown enough this year, his latest star turn a four-goal, 29-possession, 13-score involvement game last week against the Eastern Ranges.

Having played half back last year he has been showcased as a mid-forward to highlight his versatility and it has paid off in spades.

Payne spoke to Roos recruiters Scott Clayton and Will Thursfield last Tuesday, with rival recruiters believing North Melbourne is preparing to pounce.

“It’s really exciting. I guess to go anywhere would be amazing but to go somewhere where you are going to get some opportunities (like North Melbourne) is really exciting and I look forward to any opportunity that has gone my way,” Payne said.

“Over the last few years just started to get a bit of interest and my game really developed

Now I am two nights away from potentially being drafted. It’s all a little bit nerve-racking but I am excited.”

Last year the Pies recruiting team visited his home and he met Sydney, Bulldogs and Geelong before he was overlooked.

This year the recruiters have broken down his door.

“I have spoken to 14 out of the 18 clubs. It has always been a massive dream and in the last three or four months it’s started to get closer and I have had more interest. I am really excited and I would be so grateful to get an opportunity somewhere,” he said.

Payne could be in North Melbourne colours by Wednesday night. Picture: Kelly Defina/AFL Photos

From the same Tasmanian town as Brody Mihocek, the Coates League top-ager managed is managed by Vivid Sports’ Tim Hazell who has counselled him through his recent journey.

His second-year building apprenticeship would be put on hold but his boss is excited for his likely move and fully supportive.

“I am at work all day. 7.15am to 4.30pm is my normal day. Then I knock off and head to footy training most nights. Because we are from Tassie we end up travelling a lot, so I sometimes get Fridays off to travel.

“Last year I didn’t expect to get picked up and it obviously hurt. I had no expectation it was going to happen but I did all that work. I needed to do extras because I knew what I had done this year wasn’t at the level.

“It is definitely the thought of doing more than the person who is next to you who could be in the same position.”

DRAFT SMOKY

Sandringham Dragons talent manager Mark Wheeler says the club might have a smoky in Wednesday’s draft to follow in the footsteps the club’s many draft graduates.

After suffering an ACL injury last year, Max Hoult returned to the Dragons as a 19-year-old and played his first game on Sunday against Gippsland Power.

He finished with two goals and 12 possessions.

“The first 10 minutes of the third quarter was enough for me to say, ‘If anyone is going to throw a Hail Mary, I’d be throwing one that way’,’’ Wheeler said.

“He’s a big-bodied midfielder who’s got good speed and power and his body is already designed for the AFL.

“After being out for a while, he just needs the touch.

“But we saw enough in the third quarter to say there’s something there. If he doesn’t go mid-season we’re very hopeful he’ll go at the end of the year.’’

Riley Collier-Dawkins seems likely to receive an AFL lifeline. Pic: Michael Klein

TOWNER TIME

Williamstown VFL coach Justin Plapp is bracing for the loss of former Tiger Riley Collier-Dawkins in the mid-season draft.

Collier-Dawkins joined the Towners this season after a stint in the SANFL and has averaged 23.6 disposals from his eight matches.

He had 32 touches against Essendon’s VFL team in Round 7.

Plapp said up to eight clubs had spoken to him about the midfielder and he expected one of them to take Collier-Dawkins.

“I think he’ll get a second chance, just with where clubs are at in regards to their lists and injuries and depth,’’ he said.

“I feel Riley has a fair bit to offer. While his footy hasn’t been outstanding, it’s been at a level that deserves a bit of recognition and another opportunity. He’s a specific mid. He’s an inside mid who wins a lot of ball. He’s not for everyone, I feel. But there could be a gap there for that type of player from a list management point of view.’’

Plapp said forwards Corey Ellison and Nick Ebinger, and onballer Jack Toner had also caught the eye of recruiters.

“There is some interest in our players and so there should be – we’ve had a strong start to the season. Our performances have been very good. I’d be disappointed if our guys weren’t being recognised,’’ he said.