Club/Recruited from: Carlton Reserves
Position: Midfielder
Height: 181cm
Weight: 77kg
DOB: 5 June 1995
WILL Hayes’ Carlton journey continues.
As the Blues’ standout VFL-listed player so far this season in the state-league competition, Hayes has swapped the Carlton Reserves for the team’s AFL list after being selected with pick No.22 in the 2022 NAB AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft.
A former Western Bulldog, Hayes has impressed all comers at IKON Park with his work ethic and his consistency of performance in the VFL.
Able to play a combination as both an inside and outside midfielder, Hayes has averaged 33 disposals and a goal a game for the Blues’ VFL side across his six performances so far this season.
Reaching his VFL century of games earlier this season, Hayes’ talents are known to many at IKON Park — not least, Ash Hansen, who coached Hayes to a VFL premiership in 2016.
Despite combining his time as a VFL footballer with his work at Flemington Racecourse, Hayes’ commitment to his football was reflected in his early-season performances with the Carlton Reserves side, and it has now resulted in him getting the chance to write another chapter with his football journey.
Ahead of his 27th birthday this Sunday, Hayes becomes the second player in as many seasons to make his way from the Carlton Reserves to the Blues’ AFL list, after the selection of ruckman Alex Mirkov 12 months ago.
“The chance to welcome Will to our AFL list is a real reward for effort,” Blues Head of List Management Nick Austin said.
There aren’t many players in the VFL averaging 35 disposals, six marks, five tackles and a goal a game.
— Carlton Reserves (@CarltonReserves) May 6, 2022
Will Hayes is, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down.
“A number of people inside the four walls of IKON Park have been really impressed with the way Will has applied himself and also taken some of the team’s younger players at VFL level.
“He’s a smart footballer and he knows how to find the Sherrin, as we’ve seen for the Carlton Reserves this season. He can play a number of roles and he has been one of our best at the level.
“It’s a testament to not only Will, but also Daniel O’Keefe and all those involved with the VFL program. To welcome another player from the Carlton Reserves onto our AFL list is a really exciting thing for our football club and a clear sign of how effective our talent pathway is becoming.”
