A CONVERSATION with Michael Voss had Nick Haynes convinced from the early going that a move to IKON Park was the right one for him.

Coming out of contract as a free agent at the end of 2024, the inaugural Giant had to make the decision to seek pastures new for greater opportunity, and the 2020 All Australian had Carlton as the “frontrunners” from the start.

And then a sit-down with the AFL Senior Coach had him certain that the Blues were the absolute best fit for him to play his footy.

After his amicable split with the club he represented with aplomb for 13 seasons, Haynes feels like a new draftee again as he returns back to Melbourne.

“A fresh start is definitely what I needed. The club shook my hand at the end and it was all left on good terms: I still think I’ve got a lot of football left, so they’re the reasons why,” Haynes said.

“We (Haynes and Voss) had a great chat for over an hour: our values aligned, we were both on the same page about football and life. It was a pretty easy decision in the end.

“He said ‘mate, there’s a spot down there, make it your own’. There’s no guarantees in football, but they believe I can still play at the highest level and that’s given me great reason to repay that faith and show them by playing great football.”

A stalwart of over 200 games, Haynes had well and truly established himself as one of the best intercept defenders in the competition before health issues - ulcers, throat and digestion issues plus 12 staph infections in a year - halted the former Giant.

After losing six kilos in three months at one point, Haynes’ commitment put him in a position to return to the footy field, but could only break through for eight senior games amidst a settled Giants defensive group. The crucial thing for Haynes was that he was back playing football regularly, averaging over 31 disposals and 11 marks in the VFL as a key defender.

“I felt like my body was back where it hadn’t been in the last few years. I’m planning to stick to the same routine, and if I get a clear run, then I think I can not just play football, but play football at a really high level.

“I went through a lot of work and was very disciplined to get my body the way it was, and I’ve been able to do that: that’s why I’m pretty excited to have a good pre-season and show people I can still play football at the highest level.”

Haynes won’t be alone when he joins the Blues, sharing a close connection with Zac Williams during their time at the Giants, while he and Nic Newman were mutual friends during their time growing up “down ‘Franga’ way”.

Then, there’s the support in the stands, which Haynes can’t wait to experience — with that support being in his corner.

“It really excites me. I played for 13 years and probably played in front of crowds of over 60,000 only a handful of times. You want to play football in front of the big crowds on Friday and Saturday nights, so that’s something that really excites me.”