Education
University of Melbourne.
University of Melbourne.
Heywood made his VFL debut in the 1943 season and after sporadic appearances that year was a regular selection in 1944, playing 16 of a possible 18 games. He was used mostly as a half forward flanker. His football career was put on hold in 1945 with his service in the Royal Australian Air Force taking precedence.
After being discharged from Darwin in 1946 he moved back to Melbourne where he undertook and completed a Commerce Degree.
With the Melbourne Football Club suffering from injuries in the 1948 finals series, Heywood and his University Blacks teammate Denis Cordner were surprise recalls for the preliminary final against Collingwood despite both not having played with the club for four years. Foreign the first time in VFL history the Grand Final was drawn and Heywood lost his place in the team for the replay when Bob McKenzie returned from injury.
Heywood played another full season in 1950, including a game against Hawthorn where he kicked six goals, and retired after ten senior appearances in 1951. As a sports commentator, Heywood called football games and appeared on panel shows on American Broadcasting Company television as well as commentating on tennis matches at the same network.
He also commented on Saturday football games for radio station 3AW. He was a committeeman of the Melbourne Cricket Club and a promoter of its Gallery of Sport.