With North’s 2018 season complete, North Media analyses the performance of each player by using statistics, a coach review and season highlights. Next up is Kyron Hayden. 

Hayden’s season

Rehabilitation on a shoulder injury gave Kyron Hayden a late start to his first season for the Roos.

The powerfully-built midfielder spent time in both midfield and forward roles, showing glimpses of his explosive potential in both roles.

Hayden was one of many emerging youngsters to shine in North’s game against then ladder-leading Box Hill, booting a highlight-reel major after breaking a series of tackles in the second term.

The 19-year-old, who has a tendency to explode at stoppages, will look to continue on from his strong finish to the season proper as he develops into a genuine ball-winner that can draw the footy in traffic.

Statistics

VFL
Games: 14
Disposals: 177 (avg. 12.6)

Season highlights

Round 8 v Box Hill: 23 disposals, 5 marks, 5 tackles, 1 goal
Round 9 v Sandringham: 16 disposals, 3 marks, 3 goals

What he said

On making his debut in the VFL
"I was really excited going into the game, it’s good to get the first one out the way.

"The first game is always a bit of a tough one. I had a time limit on how much I could play, but I wanted to push through that.

"I wanted to be good in the contest, try to get first hands on it from ‘Preussy’ (Braydon Preuss) and stuff like that."

What the coach said – Gavin Brown

"Unfortunately, injury early put him right back with the shoulder operation.

"Potentially a quarter of the way through the season he started. His first game was against Coburg and he had an absolute beauty for his first game back in and showed what sort of a player he is.

"From then in, he slowly built his season playing predominantly playing a bit of midfield and forward too. His aggressiveness in the contest was great and he finished the season strongly."

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