Vale Harry Paynter
1927-2024
Games 1 Goals 0
Collingwood’s oldest former player, Harry Paynter, has died at the age of 96.
Paynter played just one game for the Pies, in the opening round of the 1950 season. A big, strong follower, Harry had come to Victoria Park from Fairfield, where his performances had brought him to the attention of a number of League clubs.
But he was residentially tied to Collingwood, and the Magpies invited him down for some practice matches after learning of the rival clubs’ interest. Just weeks later his meteoric rise was complete when he was named for a senior debut in the first game of the season against South Melbourne.
He came off the bench but had relatively little impact. He was sent to the reserves the following week but struggled with injuries, and by 1952 was with Northcote in the VFA, where he enjoyed a fine career as a ruckman and back pocket player. He was a good mark and kick and a fine athlete who could run all day (he was a handy decathlete in his day).
He later moved to Adelaide with work and gave up footy. His son John would go on to be one of the finest SA footballers of his time, playing more than 300 games and winning four club best-and-fairests with first Glenelg, then Sturt. One of John’s sons, Will, played senior football for Sturt and the Crows in the SANFL, while another son, Seb, also played for Sturt. It’s a wonderful footballing family history.
The Board, management, staff, coaches and players of the Collingwood Football Club would like to acknowledge Harry Paynter’s contribution to our footy club. Our thoughts are with his family and all his friends from Collingwood, the SANFL and beyond.
Side by Side.
To read Harry’s full story and the stats from his career, check his bio on Forever:
