Nyoongar man reaches key milestoneIT was an unlucky break, literally, that had once threatened the AFL career of Fremantle defender Roger Hayden. Thankfully, the general of the Dockers' defence rediscovered his touch after recovery and will on Saturday notch up his 100th game.
Hayden (pictured) is key to Fremantle in what seems yet another rebuilding phase at the club. His rebound and sound decision-making from defence has saved the Dockers countless times. And like his precise on-field timing, his milestone comes at a time when the focus is squarely on Indigenous football with the AFL's Indigenous Round.
Hayden this week paid tribute to his family who, when he was at his lowest point after breaking his leg in 2004, provided the inspiration for him to continue with his football.
"You think, 'Can I get back or not'," Hayden said, in reference to the injury. "But I had my family around me: my wife and at the time my little boy. Just having them around me had my confidence up, so they told me, 'Just keep your head up, you're going to get back', and it worked out in the end. It has taken awhile, but I'm happy to get there."
Hayden said having his milestone fall on Indigenous Round was nice.
"It's a good concept by the AFL, considering we have over 80 Indigenous players in the AFL," he said. "Over the last few years, you can see the number of players being drafted from an Indigenous background has skyrocketed."
Hayden also reflected on those before him who blazed the trail for their Indigenous brethren, citing former St Kilda star Nicky Winmar and West Coast premiership heroes Peter Matera and Chris Lewis as his favourite players.
"Teams love seeing that and supporters love seeing that too, so I think you're going to see a lot more (Indigenous players) coming up in the future," he said.
DARREN MONCRIEFF
Darren@AboriginalFootball.com.au
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Last Modified on 21/05/2009 22:43