Roger’s current playing contract ends at the end of this year.Fremantle’s General Manager Commercial Operations Steve Rosich said today it was pleasing to be able to finalise Roger’s playing contract so early in the season.
“Roger has shown to be a reliable player and is firmly committed to the club,” Mr Rosich said.
“As a club we are excited that he has committed for a further two seasons.
“It’s pleasing to see a player of Roger’s calibre staying loyal to the Fremantle Football Club.”
Hayden has enjoyed a successful start to the 2007 season as part of Fremantle’s defensive unit. A reliable small backman, Hayden’s silky skills and cool head under pressure has seen him maintain his status as one of Fremantle’s most reliable key defenders.
Hayden said he was happy to play on with Fremantle.
"I didn't really want to go anywhere else," Hayden said on Monday.
"Fremantle is home and I'm just happy to stay. This is the only place I want to be. Freo's the place for me."
Elevated from the club’s rookie list during the 2002 season, Hayden showed enough in five games to warrant a permanent spot on the primary list in 2003. He held down a regular spot that year and was a pivotal member of the Fremantle team which reached the finals for the first time.
A broken leg in Round 21, 2004 and the resulting rehabilitation curtailed his 2005 season. He fought his way back to line up with South Fremantle late in 2005, which included playing in the Bulldogs’ Grand Final win over Claremont.
Hayden said he never thought he would be unable to recover from his broken leg.
"The blokes around the club were always getting my confidence up," Hayden said.
"My family, my partner and my little boy made me feel good about myself and I always thought I could get back."
He played 16 games in 2006 to re-establish his place as a regular in the Fremantle back line.
Player Name: Roger Hayden
Date of Birth: 09/12/1980
Height: 179cm
Weight: 80kg
Games for FFC: 65 (to Round 7, 2007)
Debut for FFC: 2002
Recruited from: South Fremantle
Playing Honours: South Fremantle premiership player 2005
