Recently retired Fremantle defender Roger Hayden is set to join the club’s development coaching staff.

Fremantle general manager of football operations Chris Bond confirmed today that Hayden had accepted a position as a development coach under senior development coach/assistant coach Simon Lloyd.

“It’s a real positive for both Roger and the club that we have been able to retain the services of a former player who is held in such high regard,” Bond said.

“As a senior player coming straight out of the game, Roger will provide great insight, particularly for our younger players, about the level of preparation and professionalism required to succeed at the elite level.”

After recently gaining a coaching certificate from the WA Football Commission, Hayden said the opportunity was too good to pass up.

“I had planned on enjoying some time with my family, but after the position became available, I had a chat with the wife and family and they said I should give it a go,” Hayden said.

“I’ll just be myself, the way I was as a player…straight forward and hard working. That’s what the club wants me to instil in the younger players.”

Renowned for his silky skills, the 30-year-old announced his retirement on 31 August after 128 games for Fremantle.

Recruited from South Fremantle, Hayden was picked up in the 2001 Rookie Draft (No. 21) and elevated to the senior list in 2002, making his debut in round 15 that year.

After playing all but one game in 2010, the club missed Hayden’s customary sweeping role across half-back for much of 2011. Following surgery on his injured foot late last year, he managed to play only three games this season.

Hayden played his last game in round 17 against Sydney at the SCG when he broke the fibula in his right leg during Freo’s 11 point win over the Swans.