Maffra Football Netball Club has got its man, with club legend Hayden Burgiel locked in to coach in season 2026.
Hayden Burgiel is a name synonymous with Gippsland football.
A product of the Maffra Junior Football Club and Maffra Football Netball Club, Burgiel was drafted to Hawthorn in the 1997 AFL National Draft.
Though he didn’t break into the senior side, his time at the elite level shaped a career defined by leadership, toughness and football intelligence.
Returning to Maffra, Hayden became a cornerstone of the club for over a decade, playing 14 seasons (2000–2013) and serving as playing-coach during two key periods.
His influence extended beyond the field, helping to build a strong club culture and mentoring the next generation of Eagles.
Burgiel later took on a playing-coach role at Sale City in the North Gippsland Football League, before spending eight seasons coaching at Gippsland Power, where he played a pivotal role in developing elite junior talent across the region.
Among his achievements are seven Gippsland League premierships as a player, two club best and fairest awards and two Gippsland League best and fairest.
He was the coach of Gippsland Interleague team for five consecutive years and was the oldest Freshman in NCAA Football History at age 38, playing as a punter for Lenoir-Rhyne University in the USA.
Burgiel brings a balanced approach to coaching — blending discipline, tactical awareness and a deep understanding of country football values.
His return to Maffra is more than a homecoming; it’s a continuation of a legacy built on loyalty, excellence and a relentless drive to elevate those around him.
His experience across elite junior, senior and international football makes him a uniquely qualified leader for the next chapter of Maffra’s success for seasons 2026 to 2027.
