Hayden Kernahan leaves Brighton, joins Cove for 2023 footy season

A young gun defender listed with the Crows has left his Adelaide Footy League club as he aims for more opportunity in the SANFL.

A promising Adelaide Crows defender has returned to his hometown club after a season in the Adelaide Footy League.

Young gun Hayden Kernahan has joined Cove in the Southern Football League after a season with Brighton in division one and with the Crows’ SANFL side.

The 21-year-old suffered an injured start to the 2022 season but still managed to play valuable time for the Crows and Brighton, making multiple SANFL and Adelaide Footy League appearances off of the backline.

Kernahan – whose father is a cousin of Glenelg and Carlton legend Stephen Kernahan – said he started to miss playing with friends during his time at the Bombers.

“I went to Brighton to try and continue to improve my footy and play in div one, and I did do that but I realised the difference between the SFL and div one wasn’t enough to keep me from playing with my good mates,” Kernahan said.

Hayden Kernahan will again represent the Crows during the 2023 SANFL season, despite signing for hometown club Cove in the SFL. Picture: SANFL

“It was definitely a good standard and I appreciated my time there playing with guys like Nigel Osborn but it’s about enjoyment and I think I’ll get the most in that area at Cove with my mates.

“I’m excited to be back and I’m definitely aiming to eventually win an A Grade grand final with the club.”

Kernahan signed for Adelaide’s SANFL side in 2020 and finally made his league debut last season, playing three games in a row and producing solid shifts across the backline.

He said he was frustrated with his injury problems at the start of the season but remained confident of more opportunities at the club in the future.

Taylor Walker and Hayden Kernahan (left) during Adelaide Crows training. Picture: Sarah Reed

“I had a couple injuries and it set me back big time but I’ve really enjoyed my time at the Crows so far,” Kernahan said.

“I’ve really developed, especially in the professional side of things. I rocked up to the club weighing about 65 kilograms and two years later I’m 10 kilos heavier so having those conditioning coaches and knowing how to prepare has been huge.

“I’m definitely striving for more game time, it’s about being consistent each week and each session. If I can do that and produce my best footy I’m confident I’ll have more opportunities.”

Kernahan is expected to spend most of the 2023 season with the Crows but should be available for Cove at certain stages of the campaign.