Every good football team needs players to do the dirty work, and as the Tasmania Devils have moved into finals contention in the NAB League Boys it has been Jayden Hinds that has stepped up in that role. A defender with the ability to push further up the ground, he has been a crucial part of the Devils’ strong season to date.
Hinds has played in every NAB League game this season, averaging 11.5 disposals, 3.3 marks and 1.8 tackles per game, but the numbers rarely show his impact on the game. A strong defender that is able to play a lockdown role, he has recently spent time in the midfield and brings plenty of grunt around the contest. His tackling and defensive work rate have made him a valuable player even when the ball is not in his hands, and with plenty of pace and stamina he is able to maintain that work rate from start to finish.
Just as important as his own play is his impact on his Devils teammates. A vocal player from the backline, he is one of the side’s prime communicators on the field and motivates his teammates any time they need a boost.
There’s plenty to love about Jayden Hinds on the field, but what is he like behind the scenes? It’s time to learn a little bit more about the Devils workhorse…
20 Questions with Jayden Hinds
1. What is your nickname?
I have a couple of nicknames — Juice, Jaydo, Hindsy
2. What position do you play?
I play through the backline and occasionally roll through the midfield
3. When did you start playing?
I started playing as a 7 year old in the local under 12 competition
4. Who is your local club?
Launceston Football Club
5. Do you play any other sports?
I play a bit of cricket every now and then during the summer
6. What is your favourite ground?
UTAS or the Twin Ovals
7. Best football memory?
Kicking the game winner in the Development League grand final
8. What is the best thing about being involved with the Devils program?
Creating a bond with boys that you usually play against, making new mates and learning from different people
9. What AFL team do you follow?
Melbourne Demons
10. Who is your favourite AFL player?
Patrick Dangerfield
11. If you were in the Olympics, what would it be for?
Sprinting
12. Most annoying teammate?
Zach Morris
13. Which teammate would you want to be stranded on a deserted island with?
Tony Aganas
14. Pizza or pasta?
Pasta
15. Parmi or parma?
Parmi
16. Hard or soft shell tacos?
Hard
17. Are you a morning or evening person?
Evening
18. Any pets?
3 dogs
19. What are you doing 10 years from now?
Still running around trying to get a kick
20. What is something you consider to be underrated?
Redheads