Dyson’s back and forward toward 100 games

By ZAC MILBANK

Dyson Hilder may have played 99 Hostplus SANFL League games but he still doesn’t know if he’s a forward or a backman.

Or maybe the versatile North Adelaide bigman is best suited to being a pinch-hitting ruckman?

Speaking on SANFL Radio, the 24-year-old – set to reach triple figures against the Eagles on Sunday – isn’t fussed which role he played for his beloved Roosters.

Originally a soccer player until the age of 13, Hilder chose to settle on Australian Football to make the most of his height.

Now standing at 196cm, Hilder’s stature has held him in good stead as he initially started as a key forward rising through the ranks at Prospect and representing the SA U18 team in 2019.

It was the same year he made his League debut in Round 6, opposed to Sturt’s Abe Davis at Thomas Farms Oval.

Hilder’s breakthrough campaign arrived in 2021, in which he lined up in 17 matches, booting 23 goals.

Losing the 2020 Reserves Grand Final and 2022 League title-decider has left Hilder hungry to taste the ultimate success as he plays a mentoring role to the emerging talent at Menzies Crescent.

A physiotherapist at the Women’s and Children’s hospital, North’s No.12 has recently relished his chance to don the West End State guernsey.

Playing as a key defender, Hilder – originally from Walkerville FC – is hoping his steady style of play will hold him in good stead to represent the League again in 2026.