WILL Hayes would be excused if he was feeling a sense of déjà vu on Wednesday night.
It was just four years ago - in the same draft where Sam Walsh became a Blue with pick No.1 - that Hayes was drafted to the Western Bulldogs, on the back of some outstanding form with their VFL side.
After 11 games in the red, white and blue, Hayes’ story wth the Dogs ended at the culmination of last season, at which point he linked up and ultimately signed with the Carlton Reserves.
He eventually doubled down on that journey from the VFL to AFL list, as he officially became a senior-listed Blue on Wednesday night.
The overwhelming feeling for Hayes, who celebrated his 27th birthday today, was gratitude.
“I’ve been hanging around since November! It’s nice to be on the AFL list finally,” Hayes said.
“I was really happy with the transparency that Nick Austin and the recruiting team gave me. They told me the day before that I was a rough chance of getting picked up if things fell my way.
"The resignation was immediate!"
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) June 2, 2022
The early morning wake-ups and the late nights at VFL training was all worth it for Will Hayes. His chat after becoming a Blue is sure to leave a smile on your face. 😌
“I was just fortunate they did.”
For Hayes, being rewarded for his form in the state league competition was indicative of Carlton’s buy-in of all levels of the Club.
Averaging 33 disposals and a goal a game for the VFL Blues leading into the draft, Hayes believed his second chance at his AFL dream wouldn’t have been possible without Daniel O’Keefe and those involved with the Carlton Reserves.
“I couldn’t be more thankful for the VFL program we have here at Carlton,” he said.
“Under the guidance of Dan O’Keefe and the team around him, they do such a great job and they’re really developing a lot of great players.
“There are so many talented young players in the system that I’m sure will have a similar pathway like I did. It’s an exciting club to be part of.”
Hayes continued the Blues’ run of recruiting players from the Carlton Reserves at the mid-season draft following the selection of ruckman Alex Mirkov last year.
With first-hand experience of what a strong alignment between the two sides can achieve, Hayes said it was a valuable asset at IKON Park.
“It’s something which cements what the VFL pathway is about,” Hayes said.
“It’s great that the recruiting team is buying into that as well.
“Me and ‘Mirk’ get on well. He gave me a big congratulations: I’m looking forward to seeing him and giving him a big hug!”
