Jayden Nguyen is one of the brightest young talents in Australian rules football.
In this article, you will know Jayden Nguyen’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more. Get the latest information about Nguyen’s path from his early days to becoming a professional AFL player with Essendon.
Jayden Nguyen’s Biography
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jayden Nguyen |
| Date of Birth | 27 July 2006 |
| Age | 19 |
| Education | Avondale Heights, Aberfeldie, Essendon James Hird Academy |
| Nationality | Australian (Vietnamese heritage) |
| Height | 177-178cm |
| Weight | N/A |
| Turned Pro | 2024 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $80,000 – $120,000 |
| Salary/Career Earnings | Approx. $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Jayden Nguyen’s football journey started at Avondale Heights, where he discovered his passion for the game. Moving to Aberfeldie, Nguyen developed his skills in higher-level competition and built lasting relationships with coaches and teammates.
His standout performances caught the attention of the Calder Cannons, a well-known pathway program for emerging AFL talent. Nguyen’s relentless work ethic and speed made him one of the most talked-about prospects in his region.
At the Calder Cannons, Nguyen’s competitive drive set him apart. His commitment to training and match performance helped him win the Robert Hyde Medal as the club’s best player.
Representing Vic Metro in the National Championships, he continually impressed coaches with his discipline, effort, and game sense. The experience Nguyen gained during these years built a solid foundation for his professional career.
Professional Career
Jayden Nguyen achieved his dream of being drafted into the AFL with Essendon as a Next Generation Academy (NGA) rookie in 2024. His journey as a professional began after years of involvement in Essendon’s James Hird Academy, where he had already been familiar with the NEC Hangar and top-level training standards.
Nguyen spent his initial games with the club playing in the VFL, making an immediate impression with his dynamic play and football IQ.
During the 2025 season, Nguyen proved his versatility by excelling in multiple positions, from small defender to midfielder. Known for his elite speed and vertical jump, he continued to polish his craft with guidance from senior players like Andrew McGrath and Zach Merrett.
Nguyen’s tackling pressure, ability to break lines, and eye for contests made him a valuable asset for the Bombers, earning praise from teammates and coaches alike.
Jayden Nguyen’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Jayden Nguyen’s net worth stands between $80,000 and $120,000, reflecting his AFL rookie salary and small endorsements.
Contract
Nguyen signed a rookie contract with Essendon running until the end of the 2026 season. Rookie contracts in the AFL, especially for first-year players, typically last for two years, with potential renewals based on performance.
His deal mirrors standard NGA rookie agreements and sets him up to compete for a senior list spot as his career advances.
Salary
Jayden Nguyen’s annual salary for 2025 sits in the estimated range of $50,000 to $60,000, which aligns with base payments for AFL Category B rookies.
As he has played only a limited number of senior games and spent most time in the VFL, his earnings have not reached elite levels but provide a steady foundation for his early career.
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings (A$) |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $40,000 – $50,000 |
| 2025 | $50,000 – $60,000 |
Career Stats
| Game | Team | Opposition | Year | Round | Position | Kicks | Handballs | Disposals | Marks | Hitouts | Tackles | Scoreboard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Essendon VFL | Williamstown | 2025 | R1 | BPR | 12 | 5 | 17 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0.0 0 |
| 2 | Essendon VFL | Werribee Tigers | 2025 | R2 | CHF | 4 | 6 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0.0 0 |
| 3 | Essendon VFL | Port Melbourne | 2025 | R4 | HFFL | 13 | 7 | 20 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 0.0 0 |
| 4 | Essendon VFL | Collingwood VFL | 2025 | R5 | HFFL | 8 | 11 | 19 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0.0 0 |
| 5 | Essendon VFL | North Melbourne VFL | 2025 | R6 | CHF | 5 | 9 | 14 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0.0 0 |
| 6 | Essendon VFL | Sydney Swans | 2025 | R7 | HFFR | 11 | 2 | 13 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 0.0 0 |
| 7 | Essendon VFL | Box Hill Hawks | 2025 | R16 | WR | 6 | 6 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0.0 0 |
| 8 | Essendon VFL | GWS Giants | 2025 | R17 | HBFR | 6 | 3 | 9 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0.0 0 |
FAQs
1. How did Jayden Nguyen start his AFL journey?
Nguyen began at Avondale Heights, then moved to Aberfeldie for tougher competition. With the Calder Cannons, he developed outstanding skills, won the Robert Hyde Medal, and joined Essendon’s Next Generation Academy, which paved the way to his AFL draft.
2. What is Jayden Nguyen’s playing style and position?
He plays mainly as a small defender and occasionally moves into the midfield. His speed, tackling, and vertical leap help him break lines and win contests, making him valuable in multiple positions for Essendon.
3. What is Jayden Nguyen’s net worth?
Nguyen’s estimated net worth for 2025 is between $80,000 and $120,000. This comes from his rookie AFL salary, match payments from Essendon, and small early-career endorsements.
4. Has Nguyen become a role model for the Vietnamese-Australian community?
He is the first AFL player of Vietnamese descent drafted to a senior list, and he often uses his platform to inspire other young Vietnamese-Australians who dream of playing AFL and overcoming cultural barriers.
5. What are some of Jayden Nguyen’s best achievements so far?
Nguyen won the Robert Hyde Medal at Calder Cannons, excelled at the AFL Combine with top sprint and agility scores, and made his professional debut with Essendon, impressing coaches and fans with his attacking style and determination.
