An athletic defender hailing from Western Australia, Kyron Hayden set the draft combine record for the running vertical jump with a leap of 103 centimetres in 2017, with that marker only being passed this year by draft prospect Leek Alleer.
A powerful mover and great one-on-one defender, Hayden’s career so far has been beset by injury, suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon on his senior debut 2019, and having his 2020 season ended early by a knee injury.
At his best, Hayden has the athleticism and ability to be a difficult match up for opposition forwards, filling a needed role in North’s backline.
North Melbourne debut: Round 15, 2019
2021: Hayden’s 2021 season started strongly, coming into the side for the Round 2 clash with the Western Bulldogs where he showed poise in an inexperienced backline.
However, the injury bug bit again, with a hamstring injury suffered against Geelong in Round 5 once again placing the young defender on the sidelines.
He was named for a return to senior football in Round 16 against the Bulldogs, however he was a late omission from the side.
Making his return via the VFL, he strung together some consistent performances at reserve level before an adductor injury ended his season prematurely.
Hayden has the agility to defend smaller forwards, but he’s got the strength and power to hold his own against key position players in the contest.
Consistency and continuity in his body is key for Hayden heading into the 2022 season, after he signed a 12-month contract extension at the culmination of last season.
