AFL footballer Hayden Ballantyne, and his partner Alyssa Hennessy, welcomed their daughter Avery on December 8. Alyssa has a young daughter named Avarna from a previous relationship.

Hayden started his career in the WAFL, playing for Peel Thunder, and has played for the Fremantle Dockers in the AFL since 2009. He is chiefly known for his ability to pester and annoy his opponents. Hayden dad Graeme is a horse trainer, and the winner of the 2013 Perth Cup, Talent Show, was trained by Graeme and part-owned by Hayden.

Alyssa and Hayden have known each other since primary school, and began dating three years ago.

(Photo shows Hayden, Alyssa and Avarna, from Perth Now)