Being the daughter of Australian cricket legend Matthew Hayden comes with many perks.
But according to rising sports presenter Grace Hayden, there’s one thing that certainly doesn’t come with praise.
The 24-year-old TV star has revealed that her famous dad doesn’t hesitate to deliver a brutal reality check after seeing her on screen, regularly firing off blunt text messages dissecting her deliveries.
And some of the feedback is far from flattering.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail’s The Debrief with Savanna Young, Grace laughed as she recalled the ferocious WhatsApp messages she receives from the former Test great.
“I’m getting WhatsApp messages like, ‘Grace, that was s**t,’” she revealed.
Grace Hayden, 24, has revealed her dad Matthew Hayden doesn’t hesitate to deliver a brutal reality check after seeing her on screen, regularly firing off blunt text messages dissecting her deliveries
Her response?
“Thanks, Dad!”
While the harsh criticism may sound confrontational, Grace insists the Australian cricket icon remains one of her greatest champions. She describes him as her strongest supporter and toughest critic.
“We certainly don’t shy away from feedback in the Hayden household,” she said.
‘We hold each other accountable, but I like that.’
The glamorous presenter, who has built a distinguished career in cricket, horse racing, tennis and now NRL sideline reporting, said her father’s no-nonsense approach has helped her become better at her job.
“Critical feedback makes you better,” she explained.
“Dad is definitely one of those people who doesn’t just tell you what you want to hear.”
Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail’s The Debrief with Savanna Young, Grace laughed as she recalled the ferocious WhatsApp messages she receives from the former Test great
Matthew’s lessons haven’t stopped at television criticism.
Grace revealed that the cricket great has spent years preparing her for the realities of life in the spotlight, constantly reminding her that public scrutiny comes with the territory.
“This is what we signed up for,” he often tells her.
‘We are in an industry that is based on public opinion and people are entitled to that opinion.
“And if they want it, they can.”
Instead of obsessing over criticism, Grace said her father encourages her to tune out the noise and focus on continuous improvement.
“It’s up to you how much you want to filter,” she said.
‘[Dad’s] I have always been someone who has encouraged me to block out as much noise as possible.’
Grace firmly rejected the idea that she owes her career to family connections, saying she actually got her start in horse racing. Pictured with friend Wilson Statham
The television personality has had no shortage of criticism since making her mark in sports broadcasting, with some critics suggesting her famous surname opened doors for her in a highly competitive industry.
But Grace firmly rejected the idea that she owes her career to family ties, insisting she has earned every opportunity through years of working behind the scenes.
In fact, she says many people don’t realize that her path to television had nothing to do with cricket.
“I think people forget that I actually started in horse racing,” she said.
‘I worked for Channel Seven doing their fashion reports. I used to do modeling before that.’
From then on, Grace slowly turned to cricket reporting, despite never having played the sport herself.
‘Then moved on to cricket. But I had never played the game. I never pretended to play the game,” she admitted.
The presenter acknowledged that her route to broadcasting could not be more different from that of her father.
Join the discussion
Does having a famous parent make it harder or easier to prove yourself in a competitive industry?
The glamorous presenter, who has built a distinguished career in cricket, horse racing, tennis and now NRL sideline reporting, said her father’s no-nonsense approach has helped her become better at her job.
Matthew entered media after one of the most decorated careers in Australian cricket history.
Grace, meanwhile, learned on the job.
‘I think that’s the difference between Dad and me. He played the game and then entered the media room,” she said.
‘I have grown in that role.’
And despite the criticism that often comes with a famous last name, Grace believes that talent ultimately speaks for itself.
‘Life doesn’t roll like that. Ultimately, if you are not good at your job, you will not stay in this role,” she said.
The presenter is confident in the work she has done and says she remains focused on getting better every time she steps in front of a camera.
“I know I’ve done the hard work, I know I’ve put in my time and in the end I’m learning.
The presenter is confident in the work she has put in and says she remains focused on getting better every time she steps in front of a camera.
‘I’m not going to sit here and say I’m the best in the world. I’m not.’
Instead, Grace says she constantly seeks advice and ways to improve.
“Every day, every time I pick up the microphone, I learn something new,” she said.
‘I’m always willing to grow and get better. I always ask people, “How can I do better here? What’s your advice here?”
‘I have never been closed off to that.’
The Debrief with Savanna Young is now available on the Daily Mail’s YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts, with new episodes delivered weekly.
