Perth Lynx star Lauren Scherf and ex-Fremantle Docker Hayden Ballantyne not horsing around

He is a 175cm former AFL star who now trains race horses, she is a 196cm basketballer with eyes on a second WNBL championship and World Cup selection for Australia.

To say they’ve lived different lives is an understatement, but ex-Fremantle forward Hayden Ballantyne has become an unlikely ally for Lauren Scherf as she settles into her new life in WA.

The powerful and athletic centre moved to WA from Victoria in October after winning a bronze medal for Australia during the Asia Cup. While Scherf’s eyes were on quickly adjusting to life with the Perth Lynx, she was keen to follow a passion for horses too and that’s where Ballantyne entered.

Now a horse trainer after retiring from AFL in 2019 following 171 games, 254 goals and All-Australian selection, Ballantyne’s new life involved everything Scherf needed to relax when not preparing for the WNBL season.

Perth Lynx General Manager Brent Dawkins spent 16 years working for Fremantle and contacted Ballantyne to see if she could spend time with his stable.

“I was able to go down there, look after some horses and just help out,” Scherf told thewest.com.au’s The Dribble Podcast.

“He was a cool dude. He was just like come along, watch them train and he’s been really good about it. I really enjoy him and his staff. They make it really pleasant to be down there. I would love to continue going down there.”

Scherf is one of the nation’s most talented basketballers. She won a WNBL championship with Canberra, earned selection in Australia’s 3x3 squad and is now among 24 players fighting for the chance to play for the Opals at next year’s World Cup.

But she’s also aware that it’s important to have a release from her sport.

“I’ve grown up horse riding,” Scherf explained.

“My nan used to own a bunch of horses when she was growing up and she kind of passed that down onto me and my cousins.

“I used to horse ride and when I was playing juniors it kind of stopped because I was busy playing basketball. But recently when I was home being in lockdown, I found my love of riding horses again. It’s a really good way to switch off the brain from basketball.”

Scherf will get her first opportunity to meet Lynx fans when the club holds an open training session, followed by a meet and greet at the Bendat Basketball Centre on Friday afternoon.