Essendon is saddened to advise that former player Fred Payne passed away last Tuesday at the age of 98.
Playing 42 senior games for the Bombers between 1949-‘53, Payne was the Club’s oldest living player and a member of the 1951 Grand Final side.
A dependable rover and occasional forward, Payne also featured in a winning 1950 reserves Grand Final after playing 10 senior games throughout the season.
In 1951, Payne enjoyed a career-best season after appearing in 16 senior games, named the side’s ‘Best Utility Player’ en route to their Grand Final appearance against Geelong.
Despite missing the first two finals through injury and being named on the bench as the ‘20th man’ for the Grand Final, Payne was able to play after ruck John Gill was omitted due to illness.
Amid the controversial absence of star forward John Coleman to suspension and the surprise playing return of coach Dick Reynolds, Payne would boot a goal as the Dons fell to the Cats by 11 points.
A policeman by trade during his playing days, Payne retired from duty in 1986 as a Senior Sergeant after more than 33 years with the Victoria Police.
As part of the Bombers’ Community Camp last year, players Matt Guelfi, Harry Jones and Dyson Heppell visited Payne to celebrate his birthday in Shepparton and present him with a signed No.35 guernsey (his former number with the Club).
Payne is survived by his widow Judith, his three children Stephen, Mark and Russell, and three grandchildren.
"Dad was a courageous, brave and determined man until the very end. I'm always reminded about an article in the Shepparton News by Laurie Sweet in the late '60's titled 'Mr. Nice Guy Retires'," son Stephen said.
"He drew his last breaths after defying doctors' predictions and hanging onto life like the strong person he was. He had a great, long life and will be forever terribly missed."
The Essendon Football Club extends its thoughts to Payne’s family, friends and former teammates during this time.
