Australian Football

Playing mainly as a ruck-rover, John Paynter was always a tidy, even elegant footballer, who improved and became more influential as his long career went on. He joined Glenelg from Brighton High School and, after making his league debut in 1980, went on to become a regular in the side for three years. During that time he played 70 SANFL games, including the losing Grand Finals of 1981 and 1982, and kicked 82 goals. 

In 1983 he crossed to Sturt and was a key member of the team for the next 10 years, playing 248 games and kicking 249 goals, winning three club best and fairest awards, and serving as captain in his last two seasons. He also represented the state on six occasions, and was undoubtedly one of the finest South Australian footballers of his generation not to cross to the VFL.

Author - John Devaney