With influential tagger Ben Jacobs still on the sidelines, a North youngster is putting his name up in lights as a potential tagging option.
Kyron Hayden has adopted the role at VFL level, and is fast gaining a reputation for his efforts.
Leading the league for tackles, he’s putting the brakes on the competition’s best midfielders.
“I’ve taken on a bit of a tagging role which has been good, and it keeps it simple for me to execute my role,” Hayden told North Media.
The strongly-built on-baller has been able to work on his craft with one of the AFL’s best taggers.
“I have been doing some work with Benny (Jacobs), and looking at his game. It’s a pretty good learning base for me,” he said.
“I’ve been mainly studying his old games, but he has sat in on a couple of my reviews now as well, so it’s been really good to get that insight from him.”
The 19-year-old has been one of the Roos’ best performers so far in the VFL, his tackling in particular catching the eye.
“I think that the defensive side of my game is one of my strong points,” he said.
“Obviously, it helps being the tagger, as you’re always around someone.
“A strong pre-season has definitely helped, especially with building my running base and helping me get across the ground a bit better.”
Hayden was named as an AFL emergency earlier this year, a true sign of just how far he’s come in his development.
“Obviously to play in the AFL is something I want to do, and I want to get there,” he said.
“Being named as an emergency last week instills confidence in me for sure. It’s great the coaches are seeing the improvement in my game, so hopefully I can keep building.”
The number 37 has been excited by the young talent breaking into the senior team so far in 2019, and is hopeful his shot at the big time isn’t too far away.
“It’s great to see the young guys coming in and doing really well,” Hayden added.
“It shows that the opportunity is there, and that there is reward for your effort. I’m happy for those guys and hopefully I can join them.”
