When full back Anthony Jones tore his pectoral muscle, Hayden was elevated off the rookie list.
Hayden cemented his place amongst the so-called No Name defence alongside Robert Haddrill, Dion Woods, Antoni Grover and Shane Parker of 2003 that helped Fremantle to reach their first ever finals appearance.
The other indigenous players for Fremantle that day were Troy Cook, Jeff Farmer, Antoni Grover, Des Headland, Steven Koops and Dion Woods.
The 2007 AFL Season was undoubtedly Roger Hayden's best, playing in all 22 games and was named among the final 40 for selection in the 2007 All-Australian team.
[2] On 31 August 2011, Roger Hayden announced his retirement at the age of 30, owing to a long-term foot injury.