Talking the summer of sport with one to watch Grace Hayden

But Grace Hayden has already established a name for herself as a leading sports commentator, television presenter and brand ambassador, both locally and on the global stage.

As someone who has always had an interest in sport and performing, this career path seems like the perfect fit for Grace, whose CV spans an Oaks Day ambassadorship, role as Channel 7’s horse racing reporter, and cricket tournament host, including for the Border-Gavaskar Series – a career highlight – to, more recently, the Canada Super60.

The daughter of cricketing legend Matthew Hayden, Grace has not only inherited a deep love for the game, she’s forged her own unique identity in the media landscape, thanks to her natural talent, vibrant personality and genuine passion – she’s all about the research, “old school” handwritten notes, and building rapport with her guests.

Ahead of what will no doubt be a busy summer of sport for Grace, we caught up with her to chat memorable moments, favourite Australian designers, how she prepares for presenting gigs, what it’s like working with her Dad, and of course, what’s coming up…

Many see you as the next big thing in sports commentating! How does that feel, and what inspired this career path?

Wow, that's incredibly kind to hear! It's genuinely humbling to feel like I'm connecting with people and making a mark. Honestly, this path feels less like a career I chose and more like one I grew into.

I’ve always been obsessed with sport – the drama, the energy, the stories behind the score. But my other passion was always performing. I was that kid bouncing between the athletics track and the drama lessons. Throw in a lifetime of just being naturally comfortable around cameras, and the combination was a perfect recipe. It allows me to bring that performer's energy and passion to the greatest stories being told on the cricket pitch.

What are you most proud of in your career so far?

That's a tough question because I truly feel that every opportunity I get is a gift – a chance for new lessons, new challenges, and incredible growth.

However, if I have to pick one moment that stands out, it would be hosting the Border-Gavaskar Series for Star Sports on home soil.

It wasn't just the sheer scale of the event – covering one of the greatest rivalries, India versus Australia, for one of the world's biggest networks. What truly elevated it and made me the most proud was sharing that panel with my Dad.

To witness that high-stakes, epic cricketing drama, while standing beside the person who inspired my love for the game, was the ultimate validation. It was a perfect collision of my professional dream and my personal life, and a moment I will absolutely never forget.

Your profession has taken you all over this year. Has there been a most memorable moment?

It's absolutely a dream come true! To be able to travel the globe at 23 – from India and Canada right back to a remote spot like Birdsville – is incredible. Travel is its own masterclass; it constantly broadens your perspective, challenges you, and teaches you so much about adaptability and resilience.

But when you ask for the most memorable moment, it has to be hosting the Delhi Premier League Finals match.

That experience was pure, unfiltered electricity. It’s the culmination of weeks of pressure and drama – all the storylines, the dedication, and the passion coming down to one championship moment. Being on the ground to anchor that final high-stakes event and feeling the incredible roar of the crowd was a visceral reminder of why I fell in love with sports broadcasting. It was the perfect blend of professional achievement and raw sporting theatre.

What’s it like working with your Dad and cricketing great, Matthew Hayden?

It's unreal – that's honestly the best word for it. I'm not sure if there's ever been a father-daughter combination in sports media quite like this, so it feels like we're carving out a really special path.

On a professional level, it's an incredible masterclass. Being able to share a space with someone who not only has that deep, intimate knowledge of the game but also experienced success at the highest level is invaluable.

I get to turn to my side and say, “Dad, what did you see there?” and I get the unique perspective of a cricketing great. But beyond the expertise, it's just a joy to share the passion for our great game with the person who first taught it to me.

How would you describe a typical day in your life?

The crazy thing is, there really is no ‘typical’ day – and that’s what I absolutely love about this job! My schedule is constantly swinging from zero to a hundred.

One day I’m in the glam chair at the crack of dawn, getting camera-ready to step out onto a cricket pitch somewhere around the world or a race track in Australia. That involves intense focus, research, and high-stakes performance.

The next day might be completely different: starting with an early Pilates session or a gym workout, followed by hours of research, podcast episode recordings, or just having quality time with loved ones.

Essentially, a typical day involves a delicate balance between being ‘on’ and performing in high-energy environments, and the necessary behind-the-scenes work that keeps the entire operation running smoothly, or catching up with the people I love while doing the day-to-day basic things I love. It’s a constant, exciting mix.

Do you have a presenting-ready routine, and if so, do you mind sharing it with us?

Absolutely! I've certainly developed a routine, and it really falls into three key pillars: preparation, connection, and mindset.

First, it’s all about preparation – which means research, research, and more research! I'm old school; I love to handwrite all my notes. That tactile process really helps the key information stick in my head, transforming stats into fluent conversation points.

Second is connection – In TV, authentic connection is everything. I prioritise having at least a brief, off-camera interaction with my guest before we go live. It breaks the ice, builds rapport, and makes the on-air conversation feel far more natural and engaging.

Finally, there’s my mindset – My ritual is a quiet, pre-presenting moment where I take a few deep breaths and ground myself. It’s incredibly calming, helps me shake off any nerves, and centres me before the lights switch on.

What are your go-to looks or designers when presenting and fulfilling ambassadorship roles?

My absolute go-to is representing Australian fashion on the global stage. We have such an abundance of incredible talent here, and it's a small way I can champion our local industry while I travel.

A perennial favourite for me is Rebecca Vallance. Her tailoring is impeccable, and her designs always strike that perfect balance between polished professionalism and modern flair, which is exactly what you need for high-stakes broadcasting and ambassadorship events.

Of course, I can't take all the credit! I collaborate with some brilliant stylists who help take those ideas – whether it's an Australian designer or another international brand – and truly bring the whole look to life.

The summer of sport is upon us! Where will we be able to catch you?

It is absolutely the best time of the year! The energy around the summer of sport is infectious, and while I can't quite lift the curtain and reveal my full itinerary just yet – I can promise you one thing: I’ll be where the action is.

Keep your eyes peeled; I have a feeling it’s going to be a very busy and very exciting summer!

What’s in store for 2026, both personally and professionally?

It feels like 2026 is going to be another fantastic year of globe-trotting and high-octane broadcasting!

Professionally, I anticipate I’ll be back on cricket pitches and sports arenas around the world. The goal is to continue growing as a presenter, embracing every major event and opportunity to tell the big stories in sport.

But when you're always on the move, balance becomes key. Personally, I would love to dedicate a bit more time to my other great passion, which is cooking. I’ve always found the kitchen incredibly therapeutic, but balancing a busy travel schedule makes that difficult. So, my personal mission for 2026 is to actually slow down when I am home, find more time for that creative outlet, and perhaps finally perfect a few signature dishes!

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