Geordie Payne: Why footy fans are saying the AFL’s No.1 draft pick ‘looks like he just got chosen to fight in the Vietnam War’ after his very telling reaction on video

Geordie Payne has been given the chance to launch his AFL career with North Melbourne – but the youngster’s reaction after he was drafted on Wednesday night has drawn a strong reaction from footy fans.

Payne, 18, was the first pick – but the midfielder – who has been working as an apprentice builder in Tasmania – didn’t appear to be overly thrilled that Arden St was his next destination.

While Payne’s family were clearly elated, the midfielder sat on the couch covering his face as his name was called out and didn’t show any signs of excitement or happiness.

His reaction soon had footy fans talking on social media.

‘Looked like his number was just called for the Vietnam draft,’ one supporter joked.

But the youngster’s reaction (centre, in light blue top) after he was recruited by the struggling Kangaroos as part of the 2024 Mid-Season Rookie Draft was telling

Footy fan Noah declared ‘dude was p***ed’ after posting a video of Geordie Payne’s odd reaction

This footy supporter posted a GIF showing how he felt Payne reacted to his chance at making it in professional footy

A second posted: ‘Doesn’t look happy at all.’

And a third weighed in with: ‘Why should he be happy to join the team with the worst standards in the league.’

Payne later clarified his subdued reaction in an interview with AFL.com.au.

‘I’m super excited … it has been a lifetime dream of mine, and for it to come true on the spot, I didn’t really know what to think,’ he said.

‘I was a bit overwhelmed, there was some tears shed … I was lost.’

Payne also confirmed he will be off the tools effective immediately – and hopes it is a permanent move.

Payne joins the Roos (pictured after their loss to Port last weekend) at a time when the club is on track to collect its third wooden spoon in four years 

The Kangaroos – who haven’t won a senior game of AFL footy this season – used their prized No.1 pick to snare Payne, who has impressed since moving from defence into the midfield in the Talent League for the Tasmania Devils this season.

They also recruited former Port Adelaide ruckman Brynn Teakle in the rookie draft.

The rookies are coming on board at a time when the Roos are on track to record their third wooden spoon in the last four seasons.  

Elsewhere, fellow battlers Richmond selected 22-year-old defender Jacob Blight from Peel Thunder with pick No.2, while West Coast secured the services of Jack Hutchinson from Collingwood’s VFL side with pick No.3.

St Kilda went with midfielder Max Hall from the Box Hill Hawks with pick No.4, and Hawthorn rounded out the top five with West Perth tall forward Jasper Scaife.