Sports presenter Grace Hayden, 24, has revealed that her father, Australian cricket legend Matthew Hayden, frequently sends her blunt, and sometimes harsh, text messages critiquing her on-screen performances. Despite the critical nature of the feedback, Grace maintains that her father is her biggest supporter and that the direct approach helps her improve.
"Grace, that was s**t," she recalled her father texting her, a sentiment she responds to with "Thanks, Dad!" She explained that feedback is a regular part of the Hayden household, emphasizing a mutual accountability. "Critical feedback makes you better," Grace stated, adding that her father "doesn't just tell you what you want to hear."
Matthew Hayden has also coached his daughter on handling public scrutiny. "This is what we sign up for," he tells her, reminding her that they are in an industry based on public opinion and people are entitled to express theirs. Grace shared that her father encourages her to "block out as much noise as you possibly can" and focus on continuous improvement.
Grace has also addressed claims of nepotism, asserting that her career in sports broadcasting was not solely due to her father's fame. She pointed out that her initial foray into television was in horse racing, where she worked for Channel Seven doing fashion reporting, and also pursued modeling. "I think people forget that where I got my start was actually in horse racing," she said.
She transitioned into cricket coverage despite never having played the sport. "Then progressed into cricket. But I'd never played the game. I've never pretended like I have played the game," Grace admitted, highlighting that her path into broadcasting differed significantly from her father's, who transitioned into media after a decorated playing career. "He actually played the game and then entered into the media space. I've grown into that role."
Grace believes that talent ultimately prevails in competitive industries. "If you're not good at your job, you're not going to stay in the role at the end of the day," she stated. Confident in her efforts, she remains focused on improving with each on-camera appearance. "I know that I've done the hard work, I know that I've done my time, and I am learning at the end of the day. I'm not going to sit here and say I'm the best in the world. I'm not."
She consistently seeks advice and ways to improve, stating, "Every single day, every single time I pick up the microphone, I learn something new. I'm always willing to grow and get better. I'm always asking people, 'How could I do better here? What's your advice here?' I'm never closed off to that."
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