Star Aussie rules football Hayden Crozier is proud to be the only player of Sri Lankan descent playing in the AFL League.
A high flying forward who has reinvented himself as a rebounding defender, professional footballer, Hayden Crozier has become one of the most important links in the Western Bulldogs side. Crozier grew up in Rowville, Victoria, and as his father hails from Sri Lanka, he is the first AFL player of this descent. Playing junior football for Rowville, Crozier graduated through junior pathways and made his debut in 2012. Crozier moved to Western Bulldogs ahead of the 2018 games and played as a damaging rebound defender demonstrating his courage on the field which earned him the title of Western Bulldogs Most Courageous Player in 2018.
What attracted you to this sport?
Football was attractive to me because as a young kid I was able to play with my brother and neighbours in the street during the week and with my friends on the weekend. I always enjoyed the combative element to the game.
How did it all start?
I was born into a family who enjoyed football. I’ve been a sporty person for as long as I can remember.
What other sports did you play?
I also played cricket and basketball.
Your dad is from Sri Lanka. Your great uncle Fitzroy Crozier played for Ceylon in the 1960s. Did you not consider playing cricket?
I grew up wanting to play cricket professionally and just played football for fun. My great uncle Fitzroy Crozier played for
Ceylon, my Dad was an accomplished cricketer here in Australia and my brother represented Victoria in u/17 and u/19.
Words: Tina Edward Gunawardhana
