Australian Football

After impressing in amateur football with University Blues Ian Hayden arrived at Richmond, if not exactly to a fanfare, then certainly with more than a modicum of anticipation. He made his league debut for the Tigers in 1962, and almost from the start it was clear that the club's hopes stood every chance of being fulfilled. Of stocky build, and powerful, he was a strong, one grab mark, tough, courageous and willing. Tragically, in 1964, after playing just 30 senior games during which he booted 42 he was badly injured and forced to retire, leaving Tigers supporters to wonder just what might have been if he had ended up allying himself with the likes of Royce Hart, John Northey et al on the forward lines of the all conquering Richmond sides of the late 1960s.

Author - John Devaney